Age to Age

Today's readings feature 120-year-old Moses, passing on the mantle of his leadership to Joshua, and Jesus declaring:

Unless you turn and become like children,
you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven.
Whoever becomes humble like this child
is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.

Having celebrated my son's 2nd birthday this weekend, Jesus' words resonate. It's not hard to love little children. We are drawn to them. They're cute, round, cuddly, and (usually) sweet. Everything is new to them, and the wonder with which they approach the world is moving to those of us who get to observe and assist them. Indeed, it is an awesome responsibility we are charged with: to help a child grow, thrive, and begin to conceive of and then—hopefully—to realize his or her hopes and dreams. Like many parents, I'm sure, I worry about how I will influence my son. I don't want my shortcomings and hang-ups to hamper him as he grows from infant to toddler and beyond.

Perhaps it's better, then, to try to learn from him instead. What can my son teach me?

1. One thing at a time. Anyone who has watched a child tackle a new project or interest knows that their focus tends to be unyielding. Whether it's mastering the bubble wand, pouring Cheerios from one bowl to another, or slipping on his own shoes, kids at this age don't tend to multi-task; they grapple with the challenge before them until it is complete. Maybe this singular focus is the reason they enjoy their activities so wholeheartedly.

2. Get a little closer. More than ever, Will loves to cuddle. "Sit down, Mommy. Up! Up!" he instructs, reaching out to be held. Whether we're sharing a book or watching one of his shows, he reaches out to me, his dad or one of his adoring grandparents, aunts or uncles. Being physically close to us seems to provide him not just with comfort, but with strength and security as well. I'm the same way.

3. Please don't let me be misunderstood. When Will is less than sweet, it's usually because he can't express himself effectively. Either because I'm distracted, because of the Mommy-Baby language barrier, or because what he wants is not good for one or the other of us, sometimes he doesn't get his way. A few nights ago, at bedtime, he had some scheme in mind concerning some new books that he'd been given as a present. Unfortunately, I didn't quite get it. When I took one of the books from the ottoman where he had placed them carefully, planning to read to him, he clenched his fists, bent his arms at the elbows, screwed up his face and shouted, "NO! MY BOOK!" with such force that the apartment seemed to shake. I guess he wanted to hold this new book while I read a different one. While I don't love being shouted at or seeing him so angry, it has become apparent that being misunderstood or simply not heard is for him the most frustrating thing in the world. As an adult, I understand the feeling. It reminds me of the importance of listening, and really trying to hear and understand what another person is communicating.

4. Eat right and sleep well. Will is at his best when he has eaten and napped. Rarely do we encounter a meltdown when he's gotten a good nap and eaten his share of protein, carbs, fruits and vegetables—not to mention milk. Maybe if I followed his example I'd spare myself (and others) my own meltdown moments!

So just as I follow Will's example, I also heed Moses's words as he reminds Joshua and his followers:

It is the LORD who marches before you;
he will be with you and will never fail you or forsake you.
So do not fear or be dismayed.

It's good to know we're not alone as we guide our little ones through the uncharted territory that is their childhood.