Pride goes before a fall, and we certainly fell. In a decade of parenting, this has never happened. I’ve imagined it and wondered the consequences and repercussions but we’ve never experienced it until now. In fact, I’d chalk it up to one of the most embarrassing moments in a long time. How could a simple five-minute errand go wrong?
Let me back up. The four boys and I ran into the nearest grocery store to pick up a gallon of milk and bread but the beautiful display of flowers just inside the doors distracted us. Blue hydrangeas or pink tulips? The twins reached out from each side of the double-seated race car buggy, determined to make their choices known. I chatted with a few friends while the big boys loaded up the buggy.
Had I not been distracted, I might’ve seen the problem right away. Satisfaction swinging from my hips, I sashayed away from the display in my running shorts and flip flops, proud of my little entourage behind me. Big brother pushed the buggy full of twins and flowers taller than his head between the produce aisles as we snagged a bag of apples for lunch.
Grabbing a few extras, we finally made our way toward the milk cooler. A crash sounded close behind me and I spun around to see what happened. As if in slow motion, I saw bottles of wine flying through the air. Noooooooo, I thought, as my mind took in the wrecked cart in the midst of the mother’s day display. Instantly, a burgundy stain spilled across the floor, leaving a puddle of public shame and decapitated tulips.
The twins wide eyes raised and met mine. My other son broke the silence and stated the obvious, “Hey, the bottles broke.” My oldest son’s shoulders slumped as he stared at the floor, slowly pulling his shirt up over his eyes, as if hoping if he couldn’t see anyone, then they couldn’t see him either.
An employee jogged over, asking me to move the cart so he could clean up the mess. I tried, but every time I pulled the cart away, it pulled the display table with it. A shelf was lodged firmly between the two buggy baskets. By now, the entire aisle filled with fellow last-minute Mother’s Day shoppers needing to squeeze past us.
Between the two of us, we dislodged the shelf and the employee begged, “Please, go ahead. I’ll clean this up.”
Amidst the stares from the nearest twenty or so shoppers, we slipped into the closest aisle void of wine bottles and other breakables. I silently vowed never to return to this shopping center where they’d surely wait until we left before plastering WANTED pictures of us throughout the store, warning shoppers and employees alike that we were walking disasters.
I turned my back to the crowd and tugged my son’s shirt down, gazing into his wet eyes. The tears let loose and with a mumbled, “I’m sorry, but I couldn’t see over the flowers,” he threw his arms around my middle and buried his face. I almost cried myself. The mortification I felt disappeared the instant I saw his embarrassment.
After returning his hug, I promised everything would be okay. I joked that it could’ve been worse–it could’ve been the lobster tank.
The mini disaster could’ve been far worse, but it served as a reminder that –
- Our children will embarrass or disappoint us in life.
- Sometimes, if we are paying attention, we can prevent near disasters.
- Nothing our children do could ever stop us from loving them.
From Reality to Reflection
The future is filled with moments our family will mortify us, disappoint us, and challenge us, but the thing is–we’re in this parenting thing together. We’re not going to give up on our kids because of accidents or misplaced manners or ill-chosen choices. We’re not going to stop loving them because they did something wrong.
Because we’ve all done something wrong, right? So many times we’ve made our own bad choices and we’ve felt that shame, humility, disappointment, and we’ve determined to do better next time.
That’s what our kids need from us. Love, acceptance, and the challenge to do better next time. Love them no matter what. Accept them for who they are. Challenge them to choose higher next time.
The best part of all? This is exactly how God loves us when we mess up.
He’s gracious and giving, the God of another chance, and when we love him and honor him with our life, we model his love to our own little ones.
So if you or your kids mess up this week, just remember—it could be worse. Give yourself grace.
Lamentations 3:21-23 “But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
I hope you’re back next week to find out what happens after we mess up and the consequences and repercussions that follow (and the cost of those broken wine bottles…).
Such a great read! As always! You are so right and I think we all need these reminders throughout life and parenting. I love that you shared this. Very encouraging!
Thank you so much! 🙂
Oh momma, I can definitely relate. My son threw up in the middle of the isle at target once. No warning. Just, blah. He wasn’t sick or anything. One of those burps that went too far. It embarrassed him terribly. However, I believe my comfort and support swayed his terror. It’s so important to recognize and support our kids in times of struggle.
Oh no, poor guy! What a great job of comforting him and keeping calm about it. 🙂
Well, that was a rough shopping day! Great lesson for your children-love and acceptance. We are not perfect and seeing how we react to accidents makes a huge difference.
Yes, it does! They do watch and learn so it’s great for kids to see good examples in their parents and to know we mess up too. 🙂
I love that you were able to come up with a quick joke (the lobster tank) that also proved it could be worse! A little humor can go a long way. Great job showing your children how to handle an embarrassing situation with grace.
Yes, the Lord knew that quick wit would come in handy. lol! Thank you. <3
I haven’t had to experience this yet but I’m glad to have read it now so I can be in the right head space when it happens.
It’s definitely good to be prepared ahead of time! 🙂
Definitly can relate. We were at Walmart a few weekends ago out in the garden center and my son ran the cart into the alarm door. I was like ohhhhh shoot and thankfully the lady at register was so sweet. I felt so weird.
Oh no! Thank goodness for gracious people! <3
My kids teach me lessons all the time. I like them have thrown fits and have acted overly disappointed when they have acted out. Parenting teaches us so much patience I never knew I had within me.
Yes, this is so true! I think back to my pre-parenting days and both my husband and I have gained so much patience since then! 🙂
Aw! Poor guy! I think those are some of the best bonding experiences, when bigger kids revert back to toddler mentalities and just need mom for comfort. <3
I know, bless his heart–he felt so bad! 🙁
I love these! Sometimes we expect too much from our kids – but we have to remember that they are just kids and are only doing their best.
So true! <3
I’m so sorry that this happened to you, but you are absolutely right — the pain we feel our children feel as well. <3
Yes! Their pain is our pain! <3