Boundaries

Kids need boundaries. You've heard that, no doubt, if you stay current with parenting gurus. Kids push the limits because they want to know they're safe. They want to know you care enough to set limits.


In this Norah, 14 months, is definitely a "normal" child. She's great at boundary testing. Actually, she's gone pro. (I wonder if the all-star salary will follow? :) Nod your head if you've experienced a toddler wrenching her body away from you so she can get down and go, even if it does involve a long fall down. Her independence is comical at times, though. Yesterday she was sweeping the floor with her kiddie broom while I worked the grown-up version. Then Ethan had to go potty, so she followed him into the bathroom. Three seconds later I found her stirring the toilet water with her broom. Yuck!


"No, Norah!"


That tag line follows so many actions these days. Then come the tears, the comforting, the redirection. And I got to thinking, this is a lot like how grown-ups act with God.


We need boundaries, too. But you're not going to find many who'll admit it. Have you ever seen a kid asking to have less candy, or asking for his toys to be taken away? It's just not human nature. And the problem is, there is nobody to tell us adults that we're out of line. Imagine if someone told you to cool it- you'd give 'em a piece of your mind or ax that acquaintance.


I'm just coming off of a week without boundaries. Vacation. No kids. No bedtime. Just me and hubby in romantic Quebec City. A vacation is a time when you can follow your whims, do as your heart desires, right?


Then how come I felt so lousy on day #4?


In retrospect, that was the day I stopped doing my devotions. Day #4 was the day I got on my husband's nerves and had to pull out the 'ol PMS defense to get some sympathy. I let my boundaries slide. Back home, God and I were in a good place. Bible reading, devotions, prayer, reflection. These all helped keep my mind focused on him. But out of the routine it was hard to stay focused. I found myself coming up with excuses to skip the devos. And when I follow my feelings I get in trouble.


So I spent today getting back in with God. He got to hear it all. Psalm 145:18 says, "the Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth."


God has drawn lines in my life. Don't step over these or else...time out! And for this grown-up mama, a time-out means a tired, over-whelmed body. But when I call on God and we let it all out everything gets put into perspective. Suddenly priorities are dramatically changed and energy is renewed.


So the next time I'm blessed to have a vacation I'm taking God with me every step of the way.