Babies and toddlers should teach us more.

“He’s grumpy because he didn’t get a good nap.”
“TOO much sugar.  She can’t settle down.”
“He’s acting out because he is just trying to get attention.”

Adults are just over-sized babies.  We need good rest.  We need to have the right foods and avoid the wrong ones.  And we mostly just want somebody to like us.

But the best thing about babies and toddlers is that they are honest about their emotions.  They don’t hide the fact that you are making them angry because they want that candy.  Then we adults do this wonderfully awful thing to our young ones.  We teach them to hide their feelings and avoid honest dialogue.

Sure, we do need to teach them to know when to act out and when not to act out.  But, if their emotions are suppressed over one issue, it will come out in another way.  It is the EXACT same thing for you and me.

What I have attempted to do is to realize that I am toddler before God.  I do not rest enough, I want things that are not good for me, and I really just want people to like me.  If I am honest about that, and realize that I need guidance, I tend to have a better chance at resting, will likely get more of what I really need, and will probably be more likable to people.

Thanks all you cry babies.  You teach me a lot.