Perspective

This afternoon and evening were a reminder in perspective, simply because they didn't go as I had anticipated. First Leah didn't nap. Then I had to spend about 20-30 minutes figuring out what was wrong with the Internet connection/ and calling Comcast (ugh), which meant that I didn't get a workout in. Then, tonight, I couldn't get Leah into the bath after dinner (she usually LOVES her baths); every time I dipped her toes in, she'd say, "Go poo-poo," so I'd stick back on the toilet. At one point, I tried convincing her to take a shower with me, but only met with the same response. Ugh. Needless to say, nothing went smoothly this evening.

But, in the midst of the endless toilet-tub dance this evening, I remembered that this all could be worse; I have friends with sick kids, others adjusting to new cities/ homes, and still others whose husbands are deployed. Some are stuck in limbo while awaiting orders. Some have tough decisions to make regarding pets or family. My minor list of inconveniences today is just that: minor.

So with that thought in the back of my mind, I forced myself to see the humor in Leah's antics. As she sat on the toilet for the umpteenth time, her hair wet and sticking out every which way, I couldn't help but laugh. Then I laughed more when she pointed out that her hair and toes were wet. The lesson in all this? Perspective. There will always be setbacks and frustrations and slippery kids who need to poop, but how we respond to them is our choice. We can give in to our emotions or we can find the humor in the moment, forcing ourselves to laugh or giggle. I only hope that I choose the latter more regularly.