Let's Tape!
Apr 27, 2025
Spiritual Lessons through parenting a 6yr old.
Today, my sweet Jacob was trying to get his tape dispenser unstuck. You know, when the tape comes off the cutter and onto the spool and you have to find the edge again… Anyway, he couldn’t find the edge and he became upset. I offered to help and he ran from me determined to do it himself.
After a couple minutes of fighting the tape dispenser, he threw it across the room and yelled, “Jacob angry,” as if those emotions were inevitable. All the while ignoring the offer for help.
He went over to the place he wanted to use the tape, a noble project, and tapped on it as if the desire to do something wonderful should be enough for the tape to come unstuck.
I picked it up and started trying to fix it. In his anger he threw things at me and yelled that that was his tape, not mine. To which I responded, “Don’t you want to do your project? Why not allow me to help you?”
Still angry, he refused to budge.
I found the edge of the tape and re-aligned it. I showed it to him and said he could have it if he would admit he let his anger get the best of him and apologize for throwing things.
He went over to his drawer and looked for another tape dispenser. He started trying to make that one work.
I was appalled by this pride that was developing out of self-sufficiency and I was humbled at the lesson FOR ME that was emerging.
I said, “I love you too much to let you stay in this place of anger and pride. You are not entitled to tape. You are not entitled to your project. I can take it all away. I want you to work with me. I won’t steal your creativity, your project, or your ability to do this well. But rejecting help out of prideful self-determination is not the character I want you to carry into tomorrow.”
I sat down and opened my arms. “I love you. I love you.”
He took a step my direction with his head down and I grabbed him up. One ounce of contrition and I scooped him up with merciful forgiveness.
I tickled. We laughed. He melted into snuggles.
Then I said, “Let’s tape.”
Our morning was totally different after that.
Lord -
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How many times do I get upset when I can’t do something in my own strength and plans and then go as far as to refuse your help as a Loving Father because I’m determined to do it myself?
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How many times do I point to the amazing impact I could bring for my WHO and feel that just wanting it is enough for all the obstacles and struggles to just fall away?
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How many times are you saddened by the pride I have developed out of self-sufficiency when you have repeatedly offered to take my burden and offer me a restful yoke instead?
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How many times have you said, “Your goal is noble, but the road you’re taking to get there is developing character in you I don’t want for your tomorrow,” so you hold me for the lesson?
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How many times have you waited for one ounce of contrition to lovingly scoop me up in merciful forgiveness?
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How many times have you said, “I Love you,” and I struggled to hear it?
Thank you for walking WITH me until I do. Until I melt into your arms for your restful yoke and your I LOVE YOUs!!
Let’s Tape!!!!