Terrible or Terrific?

Hazel has reached that season. She's quickly approaching 2 years old and all that comes with it. In faith I told Steve after a meltdown over getting dressed, I will not call it the "terrible twos". I've decided to call it the "terrific twos". I think if I put the word terrible there then it becomes something to fear, avoid, be bitter towards, and try to speed through.

Having 3 kids close in age has taught me I don't want to speed past any phase of their lives. They change so quickly and for us it's rapid fire. They are on each others coat tails. My soon to be 6 month old is on the verge of crawling and just this week I brought myself to pulling out all her clothes that no longer fit. I don't want to fast forward. Change is hard.

It finally dawned on me this week concerning the changes in Hazel. I finally pin pointed it. She's trying to push the boundaries, using the word "No" like it's her next breath, and wearing down the carpet with her body flopping on it. However, I'm asking God to show me some beauty in this. I'm asking God to show me how to parent through this.

I am fully aware that my response verbal or non verbal, plays a big role in this season. Most of all this morning I'm asking God to not let me view this season as difficult, but teachable. God how can you grow me as your growing Hazel?

What I thought about was something that happened right before her 10th meltdown this morning. Hazel was off by herself just playing with a toy car. As she methodically rolled it back and forth, she was singing. Finally, I opened my ears to hear what she was singing. She was singing over and over "Glory to God. Glory to God. " It's a line from a worship song I play.

My daughter in the throes of terrific twos, sang about the glory of God. In the midst of heightened emotions and difficult feelings, God's glory remained and remained unchanged. That is the beauty I asked God to show me. I don't want to fast forward through this season. I could've missed something like this. I could've missed God shining through my daughter this morning.