My Son – The Streaker

Family photo of three children. a blonde young girl in a yellow dress, a red headed toddler in a wooden box with a toy laughing/playing with the other children. and a brunette teenage girl in a white sweater in jeans and boots squatting next to the other two children

My son’s latest two-year-old rebellion is that he doesn’t like to wear clothes. Every time I convince him to wear them, before long I find the trail of clothing items and here comes my son, the streaker! This has its pros and cons because we’re also potty training right now. And thank you Lord, he likes his big boy undies! So those tend to be the only clothing item to make the cut – when all else is tossed to the side.

Because we’re “safer at home” all day (right now), I’m picking my battles; and so I’ve just let go of the no clothes thing. However, now that he is 90% potty trained, I’m worried about the “no clothes.” When he goes back to daycare in May, I’m hoping he’ll confidently be using the potty AND that he’ll keep his clothes on!

This got me thinking about what other lifestyle choices, habits or culture am I fostering at home right now during this difficult time of quarantine? Am I maintaining a culture at home that I can be proud of and that God would be proud of?

Our first couple weeks at home were terrible! Like most families, everyone is cranky and confused to be out of their routines. There were no standards or structure; we were all just trying to survive the chaos of the situation. But I started to feel convicted about my attitude, temperament and character. I thought, “When my kids remember back to the ‘COVID 19 quarantined-at-home-with-my-parents experience’, what kind of mom will they remember? What kind of wife will my husband remember having to dealing with? Am I making the situation any better? And am I being a good example for my kids?”

Almost immediately a verse popped into my head:

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

Proverbs 29:18

We needed a schedule! If you haven’t created one yet, here’s an example of mine:

  • 7/8:00am – Wakeup, Family Breakfast & TV snuggle time
  • 9:00am – Mom & Dad start “work from home”
  • 10:00am – Outside Playtime
  • 12:00pm – Lunch!
  • 1:00pm – Little one naps, Elementary kiddo works on schoolwork
  • 3:00pm – Little one wakes up, afternoon snack time
  • 4:00pm – Outside (Water Games) Playtime
  • 6:00pm – Bath time
  • 7:00pm – Dinner
  • 8:00pm – Bedtime

How does the bible teach us to act during this type of situation?

“Obey the government, for God is the One who has put it there. There is no government anywhere that God has not placed in power. So those who refuse to obey the law of the land are refusing to obey God, and punishment will follow.”

Romans 13:1-2

And what biblical character should I have?

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23

What are my kids going to remember about COVID-19-mom? Will they think, “She lost her mind! She was always stressed and impatient. The house was chaos and our little brother was always running around naked!”

My prayer is that they will say, “Mom handled the ‘pandemic’ well! Our home wasn’t perfect, but she was always doing her best to fill it with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. She created structure (our new schedule, our new reality) and was an example of respect towards the government laws of the land. The only chaotic variable was our little brother, the streaker!”

the morris family. a family photo taken outside with a bald father, a blonde curly haired mother, a brunette teenager, a blonde young girl and a redheaded toddler boy.
The Morris Family