Several years ago, a friend and I took our 4 children under the age of 4 on a road trip halfway across the country.  The kids were troopers and for the most part they did well.  We stayed with a dear friend of mine on our return trip home and the following morning, we loaded the kids in my friend's van for the last leg of our journey.

Ethan, who was two at the time, started crying and screaming as soon as we got on the road.  I tried to calm him down, but nothing I did seemed to work.  We finally had to pull over and I realized what the problem was- I had covered him with his blanket, but had put the "wrong" side up!  One side was a Noah's ark print and the other was stars.  He wanted to see the stars.

I was reminded of this story the other day when Gibson did the same thing with another blanket.  Seriously?  I don't get it!

But as I think about it, I wonder- do I do the same thing?  Am I satisfied with what I have been given or do I always want more?  If it doesn't look the way I want it too, do I accept it or do I pout?

Selfishness in a 2 year old makes sense.  They are learning how to talk, but can't completely express themselves.  The world has seemingly revolved around their needs up to this point, so they expect that to continue.  They have not yet learned the importance of loving others.  They need to mature, but nobody expects them to be mature.

Selfishness in adults is ugly! U.G.L.Y!  When I see it in myself, I inwardly cringe.  And having a husband and 3 kids- I see it in myself on a regular basis.  I want to be able to sleep in.  I want to get a shower without having a little boy unrolling the toilet paper next to me.  I want to be able to just meet up with a friend on a whim.  I want to go on a date with my husband without having to arrange babysitters.  I want, I want, I want.

But I am happiest and the most content when I choose the selflessness side of the blanket- which is whatever side I am handed.  If I have to miss something, because my child is sick, I make pancakes.  My husband and I have learned to love "stay at home" dates.  If I am in need of some alone time, my husband will take Gibson along for the ride when he takes the kids to school.  And when life hands us lemons we enjoy making lemonade!

Ethan has matured a bit since that crazy day.  Tonight I was folding laundry in his room and he told me that he would put the clothes away.  He said that he didn't want me to have to do it, because I do so much for him. 

Selflessness is beautiful.  B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L!