Do You Have What It Takes?

August 13, 2012 9 Comments

You know – The moment you discover that you are biting your lip, your tongue is in the side of your cheek, or your head is tipped sideways, and your hands are on your hips. The eyes sometimes slant, or the eyebrows furrow. Perhaps your chin juts out a little and your eyes are twice their size?

The Look.

My kids have seen this. A sometimes sobering, and yet very serious moment of discovery in a day, can bring this look out with a flash.

Sometimes – The Look, can stop a child in his/her tracks. It can cause them to halt their words, or have complete remorse for whatever wrong action may have occurred.

The Look – Can also be crushing, demeaning, and diminishing of any hopes of positive communication – to understand the Whole Story, and to allow our children room for some grace.

The Look – Sometimes passed down through generations. A promise we make ourselves we will “never” copy that “look” that our mothers did to us.

This gives me the biggest chuckle. I have been there. I have done that. And now, my daughters laugh and tell me the same.

Problem is – The Look can also be a “Joy-Robber.”

Take a peek, and tell me what your reaction would have been.

Waking up one morning to kiddos in their jammies, and hearing silent whispers of “creativity” from the woods.

“Good Morning Mommy. We have a surprise for you.”

If I HAVE to show you mommy – this is what we are doing.

And this… We found daddy’s hammer… and… nails. A LOT of them.

We found this really nice tree….

A few paintbrushes, and a can of paint!

“Mommy – Did you know that sticks work well for painting too!”

And we did all of this for you mommy! It is our new fort!

The Look – of Joy. Accomplishment. Excitement.

And I need to mirror that.

Do I have what it takes to find the good in the unexpected, and see beyond the mess and mayheim?

Moms – It can be so hard to not squash the moments with dismay or perfection.

Do you have what it takes today? One day at a time – Choosing to let my Looks – Mirror their Joy.

Or do you keep finding yourself with THE LOOK?

( In case you missed the update on the Giveaway Winner for the Daily Devo’s With Mom Series - Jessica @ Muthering Heights is the winner!) Woohoo!

You will love stopping by for a visit with Jessica at Muthering Heights – Congratulations Jessica!

Amy Tilson

Wow, I know I’m guilty of this. I’m trying to be more of a “yes” mom. I realized today that I don’t own nearly enough doormats and rugs if I’m going to be a good boymom. My little guy is only 3 1/2, but I can see the waves of dirt approaching in the future and I need to let him enjoy it. I need to let go of a lot of my own inconvenience and trouble so he can have joy and explore and be the little adventurer I want him to be. Thanks so much for this.
- September
  
  Amy,
  I hear you! Doormats you will surely be investing in! ;) Our reactions are so important – although I still finding myself with “the look,” I know that I can think ahead about my response. ;) Enjoy being a boy-mom! Love that!
Barbara

I remember a time when I was upset with one of my children for something and I must have really given “that look”, because even though I hadn’t spoken a word she said…”Don’t yell at me”!
- septemberanne
  
  I wonder if we all carry on the same “look” as our own mom’s? heehee… I know that I tend to do that! Miss seeing you Barbara! Hope your family is all well! Thanks for sharing here today. :)
StefanieYoungBrown

Guilty as charged!! Thank you for this perspective ~ a great reminder.
- septemberanne
  
  Thanks Stefanie! See you sooo soon! :)
  - StefanieYoungBrown
    
    You’re welcome! Can’t wait until you get here:))
http://citychickinthecountry.com/ donna oshaughnessy

OY and VEY to use my old Yiddish! I need to pluralize this post and have it say “LOOKS”! I am the quintessential face maker and my children have all inherited them from me. Now to be fair, we have many positive “looks”, and we have “looks” that make everyone laugh…looks that pass understanding, kindness, and familial bonds to one another. But, sad to say, we also have “those” looks. The ones that can crush a person without one word. Those I wish I could erase from all time…going back a dozen generations I am sure. Controlling them takes a concerted effort! You know, I needed this reminder. Thanks!
Rosey Tina B.

I am the only one in my family that was able to perfect my father’s “hairy Shepherd eyeball.” It’s the “halt, danger ahead” look. But as in your post, I know there have been times I did not control my face fast enough. And I saw the other person deflate in front of me. It’s crushing to see that you did that. Apologies are always good, but a rewind would be useful.