I just got a new laptop. As I was moving old documents to the new computer, I stumbled onto this story from a frazzled mom and realized it was too good to keep hidden in my cyber-vault. Years ago I “copied & pasted” this story, failing to credit the original author… if this is your Eli, let me know, I’ll be happy to pass on the credit! She wrote:
I have three kids, ages four, three and a newborn. The middle one is Eli. Eli really loves Chapstick. LOVES it. He kept asking to use my Chapstick and then losing it. So finally one day I showed him where in the bathroom I keep my Chapstick and how he could use it whenever he wanted to, but he needed to put it right back in the drawer when he was done.
Last year on Mother’s Day, we were having the typical rush trying to get ready for church with everyone crying and carrying on. My two boys are fighting over the toy in the cereal box. I am trying to nurse my little one at the same time I am putting on my make-up. Everything is a mess and everyone has long forgotten that this is a wonderful day to honor me and the amazing job that is motherhood.
We finally have the older one and the baby loaded in the car, and I am looking for Eli. I have searched everywhere, and I finally round the corner to go into the bathroom. And there was Eli. He was applying my Chapstick VERY carefully to our family cat, Jack’s . . . rear end.
Eli looked right into my eyes and said “chapped.” Now if you have a cat, you know that he is right — their little butts do look pretty chapped. And, frankly, Jack didn’t seem to mind. And the only question to really ask at that point was whether it was “the FIRST time or the hundredth time, Eli had done that to the cat’s behind?”
And THAT is my favorite Mother’s Day moment ever because it reminds us that no matter how hard we try to civilize these glorious little creatures, there will always be that day when you realize they’ve been using your Chapstick on the cat’s butt.
Here’s the part in this weekly devotional where I offer insightful, spiritual connection between the story and our everyday lives. Uhh… I got nuthin’ …you? Does every single story have to have a spiritual slant? If we believe (and we do) that God is involved in every little detail in our lives, then yes—we can find Him working in every problem, person, interruption or event.
I did find this verse in the Psalms that might apply:
“Set a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.” Psalm 141:3
OK…Seriously folks, isn’t it true that we simply can’t protect ourselves from every situation? Isn’t it true that each day brings issues and situations that impact our wellbeing that are beyond our control? This week, remember that God is always watching over you. Your steps are not only directed by the Lord but your life (if not your Chapstick) is protected by the Lord.
“The LORD will keep you from all harm– he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” Psalm 121:7-8
Lord, nothing is hidden from You. You know each tiny circumstance in my. I am so grateful that You are going ahead of me protecting me from others…and from myself. Amen.