Pride Comes Before. . .

(Mr. A.)

Our yearly tradition continues. . . January - March swim lessons. Hard to think of getting in a pool when it's freezing out. (Unless, of course it's a warm whirlpool!) Nevertheless, mommy and daddy feel the boys need to become more equipped swimmers, especially living in an area of many lakes and lots of exposure to the water during the summer months. Soooo, dragging their feet, the boys and I were off to the local high school this morning for swim lessons. At 4, almost 5, this was Mr. A's first time for lessons.

Mr. Z kindly helped Mr. A in the boys locker room as I headed up the stairs to the bleacher area. I can see Mr. A in the group of preschoolers as he's waving with a smile and I'm thinking. . . "Isn't it great that I can sit up here comfortably in the bleachers, smile and wave at my child while some of the other moms have kids who are so fearful and won't let go of mommy's hand? By the fifth child, this swim lesson thing is no big deal."

Uh, Oh, I know what you're going to teach me Lord after a thought like that is ringing in my ears!

Sure enough, not two minutes later I can read his lips. . . "Mom, I have to go to the bathroom!"

OK. . . head down the stairs, in through the locker room, tip toe through the flooded showers, take him to the bathroom and expect to wave good-bye poolside and head up to my spot upstairs. N O P E!

Now I hear in my ears and see with my eyes, while tears start running down his cheeks, "Mom, I don't want to do this!"

At first, I won't give in. "This is what we've decided to do. You need to be strong, listen to your teacher, sit at the side of the pool and I'll be right up in the bleachers watching you." I turn to walk away and then look back one more time. . .

The crying increases. OK, come sit by mom at the side of the pool. I'll wrap you in a towel, put my arm around you, warm you up a bit, encourage you, and then . . . he gives it a second try . . . enters the pool . . . goes "swimming" with his teacher. . . and feels VERY proud of himself. I cheer poolside alongside the "other" moms.

Sooo, mom learns her lesson. . . It may not be a big deal for ME. But to a 4 year old who has never been in the big pool and who never liked to take a bath in the bathtub until last year!. . . this was a BIG deal.

And the fact that he's timid and scared of the water is OK. That's why we're here for lessons.

BUT, watch out, MOM. . . When pride enters in and I start c o m p a r i n g my child to another, I'm bound to fall face first. I've learned it over and over again.

PROVERBS 11:2 "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom."

Thank you Lord, for another teachable moment.

Happy Saturday!
Heather