EB went to preschool for about a month in the city we lived in. There were several other international students at the school she went to, and two other American three-year-olds in her class, but the majority of the students were Dari speaking local neighbors. EB was ADAMANT that she did NOT want to go to school, but we pushed through and by her second day, she was bouncing off and loving it. She took her backpack, which, the teachers said, she never took off while at school. Doesn’t she look like a big girl?
This was a huge parenting lesson for me. Â EB cried real tears and really did not want to go – she did not want to leave me, and I am sure she was a little bit nervous about the unknown. Â She had no idea what school was like! Â But I knew that she needed to be with other kids her own age, and that it was the best thing for her to go. Â I prayed for wisdom, and cried many tears myself that first day. Â But little EB girl learned just what I knew she would – that school is great and exactly what she needed.
Can you see the spiritual parallel here? Â I certainly can see a lesson the Father taught me through this experience. Â Just like I made EB do something that she didn’t want to because I wanted what was best for her, sometimes God does the same for us. Â It doesn’t always turn out to be sunshines and rainbows like it did for EB, but it does always turn out for the best (at least that is what I am still holding on to).
I do not say these things lightly – we have had some really rough times as we have obediently followed the Father – and to be honest, I am ready for some not so rough times. Â But I will still be obedient, no matter what happens. Â So thanks, EB, for teaching me a valuable lesson. Â And no more push over mommy!
