super nanny of six

Most of you know i am a full time nanny for two different families. Three kids in both; three girls in one and 2 girls and a boy in the other. I joke that i live the life of a mom, because i do. So much so that my dad thinks i need to invest in a van... and i am not kidding. If i got a van (which i never would,i am definitely a suv kinda girl) it would scream "i'm in denial of where my life is right now." As i nanny i live by a schedule, a to do list, and love for things to be in my control. I do not need to be a mom to realize the schedule never works, i might mark off two things on the to-do list and i am never in control.

For example...Today went a little like this.. 

the mom has mono and moved to grandmas,

I arrived to a hyper group of girls that litterally wanted to talk all at the same time and could not sit still (thanks to the coke their dad gave them at breakfast)

we cleaned

made and played bowling

crafts

went to 4 yr old dance class

went to chickfila play place in hope to wear off what energey was left

AND THEN

came nap time for little aves. Poor girl, she so wanted to soak up every minute with her sisters on their day off of school, but was so exhausted. Screaming, fighting and clawing we made it to her room where she continued to cry. As i sat in the dark room, rocking in the chair and waiting on her to stop screaming, i started to think...

"if she would just listen, she would be better off"

"why is she trying to fight the very thing she needs...rest!"

"If she would stop crying i would hold her and rock her to sleep"

"If she would just rest it would make the rest of the day more enjoyable for her and i both."

"She is clawing at me like im her enemy but i am on her side"

The lord loves to use these teachable moments. little "ah ha's' here and there. I started to realize avery's posture towards me (fists up,claws out and kicking legs) is often how i live life towards God. He desires to give me the things i need..to pull away and rest, to hold and comfort me, and show me i am better off if i would just listen. Avery was so much more exhausted after the half an hour screaming fest. She was fighting and pushing away good things but acted as if.. 

i was taking away something good

i was a kill joy

she would miss out

she was getting punished

she knew what was best for her

kicking and fighting would be the answer

she was in control

she doesn't need rest

i was her enemy

i was the cause of her problems

fighting= i am get my way

I hate to say it but i act just like that, 25 year old with 2 year old actions and responses. Sure i have controlled the outward actions to look "prettier" than that, but the outcome is the same. 

Pride.

i want, what i want, when i want it, 

the end. 

In moments like those in the dark room, rocking chair and a screaming baby i can easily get overwhelmed and frustrated. But afterwards the love i have for this sweet girl is still the same. I do not hold it against her, or keep a record of wrongs, at the end of the day i still want the best for her. 

So thankful that this is what the Lord is impressing on my heart. 

His charter that he...

does not keep records

he does not get frustrated because i kick and scream rather than listen to him

He is not a kill joy, nor does he rob me of good things

He is on my side

he is for my good

this is his best for me

He is all knowing and i am not.

there is not a point to which he gives up on me

He is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love (something i can not wrap my mind around)

He is such a compassionate, patient and gentle teacher

He does not fight back but embraces us with a hug

He is never caught of guard

He is never prideful, wanting to prove he is right and i am wrong

What a day..

and this is where the Lord has me..

super nanny of six

learning from two year olds..