Little Buttons

As Ivan fumbled with his shirt buttons I struggled as usual to keep from relieving him of his task and shortening my “get ready” time by the “do it myself” principle. I restrained myself and became more content to watch as I considered his progress and all he has accomplished.

“He’ll make it through,” is what crossed my mind. Just like that little button he’s wrestling with, he’ll pass through a fabric of muted color and filtered light, squeezing himself to fit into a hole of opportunity cut just his size to pass into the real world on the other side.

I watched his little fingers working together, right hand and left, to make the transition accurately. “Funny,” I thought, “how like parenting it is.”

Our hands, mom and dad, like fingers holding that little button as tightly as we can, fumbling at times, even trying to push through the wrong holes now and then, but doing our best to guide and direct that little button to success.

The beautiful thing is having the hand of the Savior on the other side, able, willing and patiently gripping securely the ends of that button as we push it through. Our hands working in perfect synchronization with His brings about success.

How incredibly important it is to know Him as a parent, to know His mind as well as His heart, and to guide our children accordingly. Every decision we make on their behalf either meets His waiting fingers or misses them.

How sweet the words of Proverbs ring in my ears…”In all your getting…get understanding!”

Proverbs 4:5-9 (New King James Version)

5 Get wisdom! Get understanding!
Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth.
6 Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you;
Love her, and she will keep you.
7 Wisdom is the principal thing;
Therefore get wisdom.
And in all your getting, get understanding.
8 Exalt her, and she will promote you;
She will bring you honor, when you embrace her.
9 She will place on your head an ornament of grace;
A crown of glory she will deliver to you.”