A lesson learned

I learned a lesson today. One I think I've truly known was there in the back of my mind, I just ignored it.



A few times a day we go into the bathroom, close the door and Eden goes "nakey". I sit on the closed lid of the toilet and let her sit on hers. I give her a book because that's what mommy does while she's waiting on Eden. Eden likes to sit down for two seconds, hop up and get some toilet paper to "clean out the potty". She hasn't quite grasped that it's really for her. Now, a few weeks ago she actually did use her potty! We just don't know when? I should have learned this lesson that many weeks ago but....sadly, I didn't. So as we were learning how to go "potty", Eden does her usual. She sits, hops up, grabs a new book then tries to put her diaper back on!



I was so caught up in this great book I was reading that it took me a few minutes to realize that she was no longer sitting. I looked over the edge of my book to notice a messy bathroom. That's not how we entered. Two towels were strown across the floor accompanied by two books, shampoo and a the potty ended up on the other side of the bathroom. How did I miss all of this commotion? I started cleaning up when I noticed Eden had been in this frenzy because in the process of trying to return her potty to it's normal position she had in fact pee'd all on the floor. (sorry for the info but we're all adults) This could have been her 2nd time to use the potty all by herself! And I was too "caught up" to notice. In that moment I started thinking about all the times I've missed things because I've been too busy. This is why I wanted to stay at home with my children! Because I never want to miss anything....I want to raise and teach my kids. And here I am missing an opportunity of something simple yet huge! Potty training.

I know this isn't anything profound or deep and intellectual. While most things I blog aren't. I just got a nice slap across my face. Although it's something I already knew, I had just pushed the thought to the back of my mind once again. There are way too many distractions in this world. Although I wasn't caught up in some interesting movie or tv show. And I wasn't banging away on the keyboard.....I missed something very important because reading a book was more important to me than making sure my sweet Eden accomplished her potty. Instead I ended up with a huge mess to clean up and a puppy-eyed little girl who didn't understand what she did wrong. I was challenged to put aside the distractions and focus.

Even though it doesn't seem like much, I challenge you to do the same. I'm determined to spend less time reading, surfing the web, and flipping through channels....and spend more time paying attention. Even if it's to the little things like learning to potty. I've decided Eden's nap time will be my time with the Lord, reading, praying and then the extra little things. I don't forfeit God's time. And I certaintly can't forfeit Eden's time. Not anymore at least.