Fruits

Sometimes I get glimpses of the fruits of our labors and other times I'm so busy keeping my head down and plowing forward that I forget to look up and enjoy those fruits. Or I'm too out of breath to look up.

I've been thinking lately that "Terrible Twos" is called that because it sounds good, but really "Troublesome Threes" might be a better label. Because it seems like Shelly's threes are worse than her twos. Or maybe I've just forgotten the Terrible Twos now that we're in the Troublesome Threes. Shelly's will is clashing against Mom's and that's completely unacceptable, we know who the winner MUST be and yet we still have to struggle through it every time.

Picture two bison. Or sea lions, or lions, or whatever. They approach, someone is in someone else's territory, there's growling, posturing, circling and if that doesn't resolve the conflict, well we know what happens. The stronger, more determined creature wins. Shelly and I are daily playing out our own little version of that drama, and I'm ever mindful that she cannot win a single battle. Its really tough to be the tough guy, hard to make sure I win every time, exhausting to be the king of the mountain. But the consequences of loosing are too great, I can't let her cross the line, break the rules, think that she can be in charge of me. And so the battles continue. One of these days she'll realize who's in charge and quit trying to take over. And then I'll be able to look up and see the fruits. The well-mannered and respectful little girl who follows directions and plays nicely and knows that Mom and Dad know best.

Now, to avoid sounding too much like our house is a complete war-zone, I should disclose that 99% of our time is spent in peaceful, happy activities. And Shelly is coming along. Archer and I went through the same thing and he has shown me the fruits of perseverence. He is respectful and obedient and we have lots of fun together with few conflicts. I just wish I could remember, exactly how much longer will the Troublesome Threes last?