One of the most painful experiences of motherhood, is watching your children come face-to-face with the ups and downs of relationships.
This morning, we were at a playground. Levi has been slowly getting to know these slightly bigger boys, who are about 5-years-old. But today, Levi was the 'annoying smaller kid' who was wrecking their game. My precious, but not perfect, 3-year-old was sincerely trying to play with them. But he just didn't get what they were doing.
I know these other boys from our many playground trips. I've met their parents and have had conversations with the helpers/maids who watch over them. They are not bad kids. One of the boys in particular, is actually quite sweet.
But today, they 'ganged up' on Levi. They chased him, pushed him, called him names. I watched Levi process what was happening. At first he thought it was funny, just a new way of playing. But slowly I saw him realise that they were not actually being nice to him, and I both saw and felt the change of emotions in him.
I teared as I thought about humanity at large. We are so quick to reject what annoys us. How can I blame these bunch of kids for rejecting my son, when we adults lack the self-control and compassion to embrace those who are different?
When someone 'stomps' all over my 'game', my agenda, my preferred way of relating, my defences come up and I react, trying to protect whatever is mine: my rights, my choices.
Today, I cried for Levi but I also cried for us all on both sides of relationships.
As he came running to me, looking for comfort, snuggling into my side, I thought about our Father God, the ultimate parent. If I feel like this, how much must He feel in His amplified love?
I prayed that my boys would grow to embrace others'. I wish that they would enjoy the differences, to have curiosity and not to shun. May they be a part of changing the way we humans relate to each other.
