manrymission.com

Preparations for picking up the kids from school have developed into a pattern. This pattern is not set by me, however, it is set by a five year old child.

One hot day this fall, I made a cup of ice water and put in the car for Zeke to drink once I picked him up. I had also brought a small baggie of snacks. Zeke appreciated this, but was unhappy the next day when his water and snacks were not there. “You forgot my water, Mommy,” he remarked as soon as he got into the van. Everyday, henceforth, the pattern for school pickup must include a glass of water.

Zeke returns with me to school later each day to pick up his brother and sister. Before we depart, Zeke finds a toy or game to keep himself occupied while we wait in line.

On Wednesday, I told him it was time to find his toy so we could depart. After a minute with no response, I walked into our office to find him playing with the little ceramic heater, turning it off and on; warm to hot. He looked up and said, “I’m playing with this a few more minutes.”

I then began to talk to him (Abby would term it lecture) about obedience. I said, “Zeke, remember how you and I talked yesterday about obeying right away and not obeying slowly because that is disobeying to go slowly on purpose.”

He replied, “Do you write it down?… The things that you say?… I don’t write it down.”