OH- MY- GOODNESS!!! I KNOW YOU’VE ALL HEARD OF TOE-TAPPING MUSIC BUT I’M WILLING TO BET YOU’VE NEVER HEARD OR SEEN TOE PICKIN’ WORSHIP!
d
[Tweet “Life is short- we have to learn to loosen up and #laugh. #life”]
s
A little background information before I share the “PLEASE GOD! OPEN UP THE FLOOR & LET ME DISAPPEAR!” moment! A Pastor’s wife for over 25 years, “I’ve” (pride) always tried to run a tight ship concerning my children’s behavior at church. “I” didn’t want to be embarrassed and yes, “I” expected them to act like perfect little angels. When “I” played the piano, the youngest toddler sat with me at the piano bench and the others were lined up in the front where “I” could give one look- you know- “the mother look” and they would instantly stop squirming, sit up straight and pay attention.
s
Somehow- I don’t know how– I don’t know when–
BUT MY MOTHER RADAR AND PENETRATING GAZE HAS BEEN LOST;
gone, vanished, nada, zip, kaput, defunct, deactivated- it is no more.
Let me explain. At church, Bethany likes to go a few rows away from the family and sing by herself. I’ve always thought it was cute that she wanted to be “independent”. So- I let her. 🙂 Usually she claps, sings loudly off key and is enthusiastically engaged in each song. (this picture is at VBS last year)
s
Not so this time! I don’t know if she was bored or distracted but I opened my eyes to glance at her, and much to my chagrin and embarrassment, she had her shoes off, her legs crossed, her toes close to her face and she was PICKING HER TOES!!! IN CHURCH!!! MY DAUGHTER! I had three hot flashes as I realized people were hemming me in on every side and I couldn’t reach her without making a big scene. Praying no one else was observing what I had a crystal clear view of, I mustered up all my mother strength and turned on my “laser force mother look.”
x
[Tweet “Where are my #mother #super #powers when I need them???”]
d
I waited. She was ABSORBED in looking at her big toe. I tried again. Nothing. I looked around to see if I could get one of my children to go grab her but they were focused on singing. More hot flashes. Desperately looking around, my eyes locked with Sarah’s (our oldest). She had seen Bethany and was giving me a look that mouthed, “MOM, do something about her.” She couldn’t get out either and the ridiculousness of the moment engulfed us.
s
[Tweet “If I could harness the power of hot flashes- I could heat my home all winter. #humor”]
s
The stress was too much. Tears well up, my shoulders started shaking as I realized “I” was LAUGHING!!!(albeit silently)- in church- oh the shame of it all. I tried to control myself but it got worse. I looked at Sarah for support and found she was laughing as well as my friend Robin. Robin mouthed, “Bethany is so cute.” I mouthed, “NO, SHE’S NOT!”
d
Taking a deep breath, I gathered all my powers and tried one last time! AT LAST! Eye contact. I mouthed, “NOOOO! STOP! SIT UP!”
d
Bethany looked at me innocently and mouthed, “What?”
d
I mouthed, “STOP PICKING YOUR TOES. SHOES – NOW!”
Deliberately looking away from my gaze, Beth casually slipped her shoes on one at a time- BACKWARDS. Standing shakily, she looked triumphant. She had found a way to comply and yet not really. _Of course, I couldn’t get a picture at church but I’ve included this one so you can see her “look”.
d
There are layers of lessons here I’m sure, although at my age I don’t have the strength to figure them all out! So here’s what I got out of it all!
Bethany’s “toe pickin’ worship” was on display for all to see.
Fortunately, our minds and thoughts are not on display—– or are they?
They are to the One who knows our innermost secrets.
Praying, worshiping, listening at church is important, but I know I’ve been guilty of the same mental distraction as Bethany. I’ve let my mind wander during the worship or sermon. I’ve been bored and distracted instead of fully engaged. I’ve been absorbed in my own little problems. I’ve been oblivious to the Spirit trying to get my attention to “sit up and pay attention”. I just know enough not to let anyone else see.
d
[Tweet “Our #thoughts and #heart are an open book to our #Creator. #authenticity “]
h
Ok- I learned my lesson but on the way home, was Bethany’s turn. I carefully explained that when we’re in public, especially in church, we never, ever, EVER take our shoes off to pick our toes. (yes- that needed to be said because I have to cover all the bases with Bethany.)
Beth smiled and said, “OK Mommy- I won’t pick my toes- and I won’t pick my nose either.”
Great!
Suprising Treasure: I’m still too dumbfounded- Help me here and post what you think the treasure is! (please- no parental advice- I know I’m losing it 🙂 prayers appreciated.)
AAahhhhh……I love this blog! As you were writing, my mental picture was working full time 🙂 I can just see it all happening, and feeling your pain, and laughter – all at the same time!
Toe-pickin worship – boy, haven’t we all been there at times? YES. God sure has a sense of humor…
And HE uses anything/one to get our attention.
XOXO (sorry – no other surprising treasure from me either )
that’s good treasure Amber- He does use anything to get attention! 🙂
Cindy …That is too funny! What mother or father hasnt seen their kids doing things in public that we would prefer them not to do? But who wrote the book on behavior anyway? I liked the fact that Bethany threw in she “wouldnt pick her nose either” Now that is some deep thinking. You know you can sit back since it is over and laugh at the picture you all presented. My thoughts on what the treasure is?…I think that it is God every once in a while throws in those little nuggets that you can remember a lifetime and get joy from in spite of being embarrassed for a short time, Only you Cindy …only you lol but how much worse would you have felt if she decided she had flatulence and forgot that she was in public and it was in the middle of a sermon? See things could have been much worse Thanks for giving the story that made my day 🙂
Yes Charlene- you know me- compelled to be transparent 🙂 I am sure it could have been worse but Sarah reminded me I wouldn’t have laughed twenty years ago- I can’t help it- At 52 I just have a different perspective now. I gotta laugh instead of stressing! Hugs-
Bored? During a sermon? Really? Where do you go to church? I know a very engaging “youthful” pastor who would love to you begin listening to him!
I am glad you did not mention the time I fell asleep behind Norman Jones as he preached away on a Sunday evening in Bloomington IL or the time I preached an entire sermon with my fly open… Back in the day when every guy’s suit pants had triple pleats!
I love you sweetheart. So much!
jb
What’s so bad about picking your toes in public? if you have an itch than scratch it, if you need a drink take a sip of water….
That’s what my mother always taught me…
WHAT? WHO ARE YOU?!! LOL DISCLAIMER- I did not teach any of my kids this
Somehow I can feel the tenseness when you captured Sarah’s eye and then the laughter came. Oh, being a mother I understand those moments so well. Sometime remind me to tell you the story about the Methodist ladies visit when David was about four. I think it is God’s way of keeping us humble. Makes A Mar laugh just reading about it. You guys are so neat and we love you all. A Mar
ohhhhhh cindy (lol) i have to agree with micah simply because i cant stand having hot flashes (and God knows how many of those ive had to endure) haha isnt it wonderful though that as we journey with God in life that we are given the grace to change our perspectives, grow in humility, and laugh at ourselves and the experiences we are given when the lesson is learned and we have made some sort of meaning from it. sometimes the biggest blessings come in disguise 😉
It is amazing Grace that gets me through! LOL and it doesn’t hurt that the years have given me “perspective.” I’ll never forget how much you encouraged me when Bethany was born- hugs!
This is just delightful…I had to chuckle over ” I had three hot flashes as I realized…” Stress definitely does that to a woman, but only you could express it like this so your readers can feel it, too! I think you already found the treasure in this moment, Cindy. Our distractions may not be as “in your face” as little Bethany’s, but we’re just as vulnerable for sure. (I was wondering what your “dig” would turn up as I read your amusing anecdote! You done good, girl!) <3
hugs Edy- it’s so good to laugh instead of stressing- you know- I just thought of something- I don’t get hot flashes when I’m laughing so maybe I’ll just try laughing more. 🙂
Oh Cindy….how funny. There is no way I could have contained myself. Bethy’s innocence is beautiful and I am positive even The Lord was chuckling. Oh how laughter is good like medicine. I could totally relate and imagine what you and Sarah were feeling and how you couldn’t do anything else but laugh. I only wish I could have been there with you!! I miss you 🙂
LOL- Lori- we’ve both seen soooo much as Moms- what an adventure it is! I about lost it when my friend mouthed, “Bethany’s so cute”- I was so afraid I would bust out laughing, tears were streaming down my face and I was praying hard- please don’t let Jeff see me- because he’ll stop everything and ask what’s going on! Laughter is God’s gift isn’t it? I miss you too!
I love your page, Cindy! I had to come over and read the “toe pickin'” story..
My friend, you gave me the best laugh I’ve had all day!! THANK you so much..
Some of the funniest things happen in church, don’t they?
Anyway, I’m so happy to be your new friend, and I hope we can stay in close touch!
I too have played the piano in church my entire life~ was married to a minister who left me for a church member~ but eventually remarried a wonderful guy. God is so good, isn’t He? I look forward to getting to know you better!
God bless you!
Becky Lagace
Your new twitter buddy and sister in Christ! 🙂
ahhh Becky- my sister/friend- life sure stinks sometimes- I’m sorry for the pain you’ve gone through- but you’re right God is good! Looking forward to getting to know you better too! Blessings and hugs and don’t forget to keep laughing 🙂