The Wisdom of the Wonder Pets

My son loves the Wonder Pets, and I have to admit that I think they are pretty cute too. They are cute and each show has a great message. For Christmas, there was a special featuring the music from the Nutcracker. One of the songs was called "Be Happy With What You Have", and I realized that this could be my mantra. Its definately a credo I am trying to teach the Little Man. I don't want him to go through life feeling unsatisfied, and unhappy about who he is and what he has. That doesn't mean I don't want him to strive or achieve but I don't want him to not appreciate what he's got.
I know that from time to time, I open my closet and make that UGH sound. I have a ton of clothes, but at that moment in time, there isn't anything that moves me and makes me want to wear it. I should be grateful for what I have, even if I wear the same 7 outfits over and over. But there's that little part of me that worries that I don't look cool enough or whatever (the part of my personality still stuck in junior high). I don't want my son to develop that insecurity that what he has isn't enough.
I know for darn sure that possessions do not equal happiness. I know a lot of people who have tied their self worth into designer labels, cars, etc. If that is how they want to live their lives and it works for them, then that's fine. However, that's not me. Yes I do get a little excited over some designer stuff and I won't lie, but its not the driving force in my life. I don't want the Little Man to turn up his nose because its not a such and such label.
I guess this is the quandry that parents find themselves in...I want the best for my little guy, but on the other hand I don't want to find myself in competition with others to provide it. I know my son, and his personality and I don't think that this will be an issue. I know he values the time I spend with him as much as any toy or whatever.
Last night was bath night. I used to dread bath night because he did. He'd cry and carry on and it was a struggle to get it done. Now, he gets in the tub willingly, does most of it himself (I do help with washing his hair)and even cleans up his tub toys (another sore spot). During bath time last night, I was able to start laundry, swifter, dust and clean his bathroom. And relax a little! After the bath, it was homework time. Big Man didn't realize that there is spelling homework every night (until he earns the 15 points) so he didn't have him do it on Tuesday. That meant we had to do double last night-which didn't make the Little Man happy. However, it did teach him a valuable lesson on not procrastinating. Plus he had reading homework that didn't get done on Tuesday (when I got home from PTO he was already in his room, ready for bed). The big problem was since we were finishing homework right until bedtime, he didn't have any play time and he was upset. But we bucked up and dealt with it and went to sleep pretty quickly. That was good for me, since I usually stay up until the Little Man is asleep. Some nights its not an issue, since he falls asleep right away, but other nights I am up a lot later than I would like to be.
I even did it all without my mommy time last night! When I get home from work, I usually get changed and lay down for about 15-20 minutes to recharge (aka Mommy Time)some days I do really take a power nap, other days its more just laying there and stretching out. I do know that most days when I get up from Mommy Time, my back and neck cracks and I feel so much better. Its that transition from work to home.
I have basically my dream job. Its a combination of ministering to people in need and being mentally challenging. I've never taken a job based on the salary (obviously, because I would be a heck of a lot richer) but what it would mean to me. When I no longer feel that I am enjoying my job, its time to move on. Since you spend at least 8 hours a day at work, you better be enjoying yourself. It doesn't mean that you won't have bad days or whatever, but overall I need to have that bit of personal satisfaction-its what drives me. It makes me want to give it my all and do my best, which in turn drives success. That being said, in my work most of my bad days revolve around the condition of my clients. I work with a lot of folks long term who have chronic or critical health conditions, and when they take a turn for the worse or die, its hard on me emotionally. Its not just that I do their bills, I give hugs, I pray with them, I visit them when they are inpatients. I spend time with them either in person or on the phone. Its a ministry for me-I am fulfilling Jesus' commission-when I was sick, you visited me...That I am doing my job for the glory of God is important to me.
I am trying to teach my son that is the most important thing in life-do it all for the glory of God. If God smiles on it, then its all good. If God doesn't, then no matter how you try and struggle with it, then its going to fail at one level or another. I know my husband laughs at me sometimes that I like to pray before I make a big (or not so big) decision, but to me its important. I'm trying to teach that to the Little Man. Bring it before the Lord...no matter how happy or sad. Show God that you are thankful for your blessings, and give up to Him your hurts. I think once we have more Sunday School under our belt, it will make more sense. We'll understand that relationship a lot better too!