Down the toilet...and back again.

Every new stage of child development brings a new level of awareness of my sin (call it what you will: shortcomings, fallenness, faults, whatever) and my need for grace and transformation. This time, it's potty training. I want to be in control, and I can't. I want to see results now, on my time frame, and I don't. I determine in my mind to be the relaxed, peaceful, open-minded parent...and I melt into tears of frustration and anger by noon that day.
We went into official toilet training mode last Tuesday, and it has been quite a (sometimes wet and messy) ride. I'll spare you all the childish bathroom talk and sordid details, but I will say that on day one, C went through all 7 pairs of underwear we bought him. Today, he marched into the bathroom, said "Need to use the toilet," and proceeded to do just that. Now, I am far from thinking he has arrived, but at least I know he is learning.
And I'm learning, too. I'm learning more and more that my son has only so much energy for change and transition, and when that is used up by one major thing (like learning to put his waste products in a different spot), he has very little energy to give to other transitions (like changing placemats or reading books with Daddy instead of Mommy). I'm learning that I can give over to God my need to control C's bowel and bladder activity and just let him learn from mistakes and successes as God would guide us. I'm learning that pee and poop on the floor aren't such a big deal, and that clothes are easy to wash. I'm learning that my son can hold it in for a LONG time--or maybe I'm just jealous because in my current state I visit the bathroom every 30 minutes!
So, that's the latest installment in the drama of our tiny little lives. Thanks for reading...and if you know anything about potty training, I'm still hungry for suggestions!

I'll close with a picture that reminds me of C's joy and love of life.