"they dont want you"

Today I received a strange and highly unusual phone call from a mom whose children I frequently watch.. The jest of it was "beware". She went on to explain that her kids were grumpy, un-napped, one was sick, one was hurt, etc etc...bottom line: "they don't really want you to watch them tonight"
Pause. If you know me, or have heard of even a brief sampling of my excessive love for children then MAYBE you're experiencing one-fifth of the shock that I did.
I wasn't sure what to say. She called to warn me that her grumpy kids were upset from certain rules& consequences from our last adventure and in all their grumpiness, did not want me.
Still shocked? Me too! I must admit I felt offended because two six year olds and a toddler "didn't want me". Haha
I instantly began to think of ways to win them over.To please them. To appease their upset little hearts. Their mom had some in mind as well.
My instant reaction was to do everything in my power to please the kids, earn their favor, make them like me. Wow.
For someone who's life is hidden in Christ, who belongs to the Lord, who has His lavish favor-- I certainly was running quickly toward identity crisis!
The drive to their house, I purposed to bring them with me to the feet of Jesus and love them however they may feel towards me.
And yes, I ended up baking and decorating cupcakes while watching five children and cleaning up after their "help".
We had a great time, but I am convinced it wasn't because of the cupcakes, rubber duckies or glitter glue but because as I saw my need for Jesus's grace, He enabled me to give them grace.


It also might have to do with our new adventure of reading and discussing RC Sproul's "The Lightlings" together:)
(if you haven't read it, you should!)

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