Unruly

Mary’s Monday Musings to Quit Encouragement

Unruly

            I didn’t see the child’s offense in the grocery store. I only saw the mother’s reaction. She grabbed his little arm and jerked the boy around to face her. “I told you not to do that!” Her face was grim, and her voice teemed with anger.

 

The boy’s eyes grew large and round, and he pulled back from his mother or care taker, whichever role she filled. The woman yanked the child to a nearby bench and forcibly sat him down. “You stay right there.” Her voice was low and menacing. “Don’t you dare move while I pay the cashier. I’m watching you.”

 

Standing in another cashier’s line, I, too, was watching the child. What could I read on his face? He was unhappy that was clear, but was he afraid? Defiant? I couldn’t tell. Had he been a misbehaving menace for her entire excursion and worn the woman’s patience to a nub? I don’t know, but I do know the scene was uncomfortable for the onlookers. I thought back to my own and child rearing days and well remembered how easily children can try a person to their limits, and how difficult it is for a passerby to accurately assess a situation.

 

Silently, I prayed for the little boy and for the woman with him. Then I wondered how often do I entertain unruly thoughts that could try the patience of my Heavenly Father who knows my reactions to life’s frustrations. Oh, I’ve learned not to make a scene in public, but I’m glad people don’t carry mind-reading machines. I’m grateful that we can always access God’s mercy and grace with a barely breathed prayer for help. God, help us to remember to breathe a prayer in the face of frustration.