Finger Puppets

When Benjamin was a toddler and we lived in a different state, I was very conscious about the toys that I had for him and how they were kept. With my degree in Early Childhood I wanted to find him good quality toys that were developmental and appropriate. After building a collection, I liked to keep the toys in good organization and order. The pieces were all together so that they could be played with. Because to me what fun is a toy with missing pieces. Back then a puzzle with missing pieces just put me over the edge. Something is just . . . just missing.

One Sunday in church I had a set of finger puppets out for Benjamin to play with. There was another little boy a few months older who toddled over to play with them as well. I handed him two puppets for his chubby fingers to hold. He soon became restless and the father swooped in to take him out of the room before his screams turned siren-like. When they never reappeared for the rest of the meeting, I just knew that my finger puppets would never be seen by me again. This family had a lot on their plate. Sure enough I was right. Bye, bye finger puppets. Bye, bye complete set. I am ashamed to admit that I held a grudge over those little puppets but never said a thing to the family.

On the drive home from church today my thoughts turned to this story. Keeping Jacob contained and quiet is quite the feat. I compare it to the ocean waves, sometimes calm and quiet but sometimes wild and sporadic. I know every mother that has had to corral a little one for three hours of church has felt the frustration. Today wasn't even a difficult day, last Sunday was much worse. Jacob even went to others today willingly! And thanks to Joy, Janette, Amy, and Laura (which I still owe Laura a new book because two weeks ago Jacob ripped it), we made it through.

As I thought about my little struggles of the day, I felt in my heart a wave of compassion. Compassion that I held animosity in my heart about silly little finger puppets for far to long. Compassion for those have young children and are doing their best. Compassion for how hard Sundays can be for some, especially parents who have a child with disability. Compassion for people who are trying to do their best and inadvertently may take a finger puppet home with them. May I be blessed to feel more compassion and give far less thought to finger puppets.