Change is hard. Just ask Lilli. At two years and nine months, she was so excited about her brother coming. And really, the coming part was pretty wonderful. It was the staying part that was the kicker.
Actually, I’m not so sure it would be so bad if she wasn’t battling terrible allergies with a legitimate cold thrown in for good measure, but she is, so she feels crummy. She’s grumpy and needy. If that wasn’t enough, her mother, from whom she usually has sole attention when she’s at home (she typically works full time) is recovering, herself, and every time Lilli turns around, there’s Brody, taking up her space in her mama’s lap. Today, she decided to pull out all the stops and go all in on bad behavior in all its attention-getting glory. It was a spectacle to behold, and to add insult to injury, her Mimmie – HER MIMMIE – had to get on to her and put her in time out more times in a span of two hours than all other times combined. (Please don’t doubt my sympathy to or awareness of her plight, but there is just some behavior that has to be addressed right then, no matter what the underlying reason!).
We made it through the day in one piece, I’m thankful to say, and when I put her to bed, we seemed to be back to our usual little love-fest. I’m praying for a better tomorrow. But as I’ve mulled it over, I’ve been convicted by the fact that I’ve acted about two years and nine months old when change has blown my way. I, too, have thrown tantrums and behaved badly just so someone – anyone – might notice my unhappiness. And, truth be told, I’ve had to suffer some discipline for it, too.
Change is so hard because we can’t see the outcome of it. It’s just there suddenly, causing discomfort and disruption and dismay. And, really, even change that’s anticipated with some excitement, still is often followed with some measure of the same. Thankfully, even when we are blind to the end of the story, God’s not. He sees how it all fits together, the good that will come out of the change and the growth that will come out of the discomfort. It’s up to those of us who love her to help Lilli see that there is some wonderful coming her way (even with the annoyance and inconvenience that also comes with a little brother, but hey, first things first!). It’s also up to us to trust God in our own gusty winds of change, so that maybe next time we’ll act a little more mature. Like a first grader, at least. 😉
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5 NIV
“We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but God’s purpose prevails.” Proverbs 19:21 MSG
“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 ESV
she is so lucky to have you! as they say, change is good… it’s not always comfortable, but it is good! and today you get to see your best friend .. life is good, eh? i am cherishing all the memories you are making all the way up here in iowa 🙂
Awwwwwwwwwww it is hard sometimes to be a Mimmie, but you are an awesome one! Change is good and it is very hard on the smallest of them and still is on me as an adult of 50 yrs. old. Precious Lilli will adjust in a matter of time. Praying the adjustment comes sooner than later.
Hugs to you all and your precious grandchildren! xo
I can relate to every bit of this post. As you said, we had the same problems with you when your brother was born. It’s so hard to understand when you are 2 1/2 yrs. old.
Since we are going through health changes right now, we are so thankful to have a God that goes before us and gives us strength to get through the changes!!