(Believe it or not this was not staged) |
Are you still being potty trained... Spiritually?
What do you mean by that, Amanda? Hear me out.
But wait, consider yourself warned. This post may
not be for those who have never dealt with potty training before. Unless you
know my struggle you may think I am crazy and that there is no way God is
talking to me through pee pants. But hang with me and if nothing else...laugh!
To all you mommies and daddies, caregivers, day care teachers, aunties,
brothers and sisters, and all else who have had to clean up someones pee or
poo...
Some of us are still being spiritually potty
trained. Let's look at the life a potty trainee:
1.
They do not know what to do. Some kids, when being trained,
do not yet understand why these crazy things are happening, why the are being
held in a mad dash to the bathroom, why they are wearing these new sleek and
less crinkly 'diapers', why this change is going on in their life or what to
do. Is this you? Do you see the world changing around you but don't know how to
keep up with it or how to fix it? Are you confused by the changes going on in
your life and don't like it? Is your whole world being turned upside down and
don't know why? Perhaps it's time to embrace the potty and become
trained...spiritually! All of the answers to life are found in God and in His
word, the Bible. All confusion and care and worries can be casted to Him and
you will receive peace and understanding in return. The Psalm below describes
it perfectly...
"The opening of Your Word gives
light. It gives understanding to the child-like." Psalm 119:130
2. They are uncomfortable. Ok, sitting in your pee pants must be uncomfortable. At times I was busy or my kiddo was playing and he relieved himself in his pants. He knew it was wrong because he would avoid me. He knew it was wrong, did the deed, and is now choosing to stay uncomfortable because he either:
A: Doesn't wish to stop what he is doing.
He is enjoying playing and doesn't want to stop. Sin can be enjoyable.
We know it is wrong. It can eat at us sometimes and make us feel so
uncomfortable but yet we can't give it up for some reason. It has ahold of us
and keeps us coming back.
B: Is embarrassed or worried about the
consequences. We don't spank our son because he had an accident
but we let him know that next time he should go in the toilet. At this stage in
the training he knows it is wrong to go in his pants and he gets upset when he
does. We know sin is wrong and we may get upset about it when we fall into it.
We may feel disappointed in ourselves or angry, we may be embarrassed to admit
it to God (or that He already knows). God knows we are going to sin and, much
like a potty trainer, will always be there to wash you clean and provide
encouragement. He will always be there for you.
3.
They go through a rebellion stage. Some kids
will go through a rebellion stage where they refuse to wear underwear and use
the potty. My son did. (It probably had something to do with his daddy deployment
and our relocation). Have you ever gone through a rebellion stage? Perhaps
right now? You know what’s right but you refuse. You know you should go to
church but you don't. Read your Bible but you don't. You know you should not be
watching that movie, say those words, overeat, yell at your kids, disrespect
your spouse, take that drink, spend those 3 hours on facebook, be what it
may...but you do it anyways. I go through rebellion stages. I can't help it. I
am human. But I can tell you this. I pray everyday to be broken free from the
bondage that sin has on me and with God we have the power to do so.
"If we confess our sins, He is
faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all
unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9
"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and
where the Spirit of the Lord is there is FREEDOM!"2 Corinthians 3:17
Potty training is something every human goes
through, much like sin. We are not perfect. We will have slips and pee in our
pants every now and then...um, I mean sin every now and then. God is so
gracious and patient with our 'potty training', so much more than I am with my
son. But that is why God is so great. That is why He is the perfect Father!
While potty training my son, we have had many YAY! moments including
hugs, high-fives, stickers, and skittles. Have you had any YAY! moments
during your journey?
Share with me your potty training struggles and achievements!
(Either spiritual or real-life :) I am here for support in both)
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