Pond Ponderings: the middle man

This is my 2nd child, my middle child, my Jamers, whom I adore.

He gives me a run for my money, or in other words some days makes

me want to run and make some money in the workforce just to not have to deal.

He is the sweetest thing. Wants to cuddle and kiss and be right by me every second.

But he's pretty high maintenance. He needs a snack every 5 minutes and will

melt if the package is opened the wrong way. He is 3 1/2 and should be 100%

potty trained but has been known to poop on other people's brand new carpet.

He's feisty. He's stubborn. He's strong-willed. AND, he won't take no for an answer.

He's the best helper a mom or dad could ask for. Loves to clean or rake or just be needed.

He will cry for the sake of crying and will suddenly stop and smile like nothing ever happened.

He plays soccer, adores his sister and loves to be on the go.

He's cute. He's incredibly funny. He's misunderstood.

I try to listen to a General Conference everyday while spending 20 minutes in the bathroom

doing the "getting ready" that a girl has to do (it feels like such a waste of time!).

Well today, I listened to this talk and boy, did it resonate inside of me.

This part especially...

A sweet and obedient child will enroll a father or mother only in Parenting 101. If you are blessed with a child who tests your patience to the nth degree, you will be enrolled in Parenting 505. Rather than wonder what you might have done wrong in the premortal life to be so deserving, you might consider the more challenging child a blessing and opportunity to become more godlike yourself. With which child will your patience, long-suffering, and other Christlike virtues most likely be tested, developed, and refined? Could it be possible that you need this child as much as this child needs you?

This was slap in the face and an "aha moment".

Honestly, I need him and he needs me.

I have some work to do on patience, and I'll count him as my blessing and opportunity.