Just the other day I couldn’t decide between stripes or spots. I know, definitely a first world problem. My indecisiveness even translated into my daughter’s outfit, which was also a combination of both (albeit the spots were pear-shaped, literally!). The spots represent the fun side of me and the stripes, the more serious side, perhaps?

Vintage Cardigan, Dress & Bag // Bared Brogues

Lately I’ve been trying to strike a balance between fun but firm, gentle yet disciplinary in my parenting methods with my son, but I fall short, every day. Depending on my child’s behaviour and my mood, I lean to one extreme very readily. And you know which end of the spectrum I’m talking about.

There was one niggling issue we were working on recently that almost stripped me of my usual cool, calm and collected demeanour. In my darkest hour, my frustrated eyes gazed upon this, “O Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath.” King David reminded me that God, the Perfect Parent, doesn’t parent me, a much more stubborn and rebellious child that way. Instead, God is always “compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, and forgiving.”  He is so patient with me and doesn’t treat me as my sins deserve.

After reading these verses, the annoyance and grievances in my heart melted away. The ‘big issue’ became so infinitesimal in comparison to the precious relationship I may have otherwise crippled.

Sometimes, it really is about perspective isn’t it? Stripes or spots?

At least I have clothes to wear.