Gleaning growth in a relationship

     It occurred to me today, while I was refereeing the cubbies as they played that if we choose righteousness over 'being right' someone else may have the opportunity to learn (glean) something new through the experience. Dancing cubbie knew her way would work while cruisin cubbie wanted desperately to be heard and try things another way in their play. This has been a long held pattern that we are guilty of supporting as we encouraged our younger child to look to his older sister for sound advice.
     In order to get dancing cubbie to show any respect for her brother in this play period required a time away from the play room to talk which was met with enormous rebellion. Ah....I know I've been there not wanting to give up my right to be right.
     Interestingly enough cruisin cubbie took it upon himself to leave the playroom as well and sat near dancing cubbie to "wait on her". Since, she was in no space near wanting to listen or compromise. I encouraged cruisin cubbie to continue to play. I joined him for a bit. This resulted in more misbehavior for attention by dancing cubbie, which was met by Grizzly. In the end, dancing cubbie's resistance broke. You know the face, only a mother could love. As she used my shoulder as her kleenex I noted that even I had an opportunity to grow as I comforted her and assured her that she was loved. Those of you who know me well know I dislike snot very much, even touching kleenex that's been used by others freaks me out, so being used as one hasn't been an option up to this moment.
     What I wanted my daughter to know at that moment in her brokenness was that it's through failure, weakness and neediness that we learn to rely on God.  I came to realize that true dependence isn't asking God to bless what we've decided to do. It is coming to the Lord with open heart and mind, inviting him to plant his desires within us. When he infuses us with a dream so far beyond our reach. One we know we can't achieve alone thus begins our journey of profound reliance on Christ.
     In the moment when asking dancing cubbie to consider cruisin cubbie's ideas, it simply seemed the right thing to do. Especially in the light of the call that we are to practice putting other's needs above our own. As the day progressed I was able to see that this experience was a form of gleaning in a relationship which was an answer to prayer.
     Then, as I wrote this I remembered a sweet memory from the day prior where cruisin cubbie asked,
     "Mom, do I have wisdom"
     "Yes, cubbie some."
     " I think I need more."
     "All you have to do is ask Jesus"
     And this led cruisin cubbie to pray the sweetest, heart felt prayer requesting more wisdom" As I reflected on all of this information I am humbled how my son is willing to 'wait on' his older sister just like Jesus the gentleman, he doesn't push himself on anyone and he doesn't push from behind. He sits with and hopes even after he's been mistreated by the person he's waiting on. I am so thankful for the lessons the Lord teaches us through our children!