Better Than His Momma

I have a character flaw - actually, I have many. But one in particular stuck out today.

I read one of those goofy things on Facebook that said something to the effect of, "Wrong my child and I will never forget."

This is one of my biggest flaws. And I'm aware of it. I struggle to see things from the other person's point of view and I attempt to understand the intent behind the action. Sometimes, I am successful. Sometimes, I am not. 

Heathen #1 came home from school today announcing that he had to move an object for a group. This group eliminated a program that he and Heathen #2 were planning to participate in this year - thus "wronging" my children (not just ONE of them, but TWO of them!). 

I explained to him that there were plenty of involved people in the group and that more than one of the participating families owned a truck or SUV that was capable of moving this object. I was upset that the group could cancel something that was valuable to my Heathens, and then still ask them for help. 

After arguing my point, Heathen #1 calmly looked at me and said, "They didn't ask. I offered to help. That's what my mother taught me to do - offer help when help is needed and I'm capable of helping."

Then he just stood and stared at me with a shit-eating grin on his face. "Try not to smile, Mom. You know I'm right."

While this is a slightly older photo, this was the look on his face.
And his hands WERE on his hips.  Heaven help me.

And I will admit that it was like being punched in the stomach. He was absolutely correct. That IS what we've tried so hard to teach our Heathens. But my flaw didn't allow me to see the situation that way until the Heathen re-framed the situation in a way that I could "understand."  And I will admit, I had a hard time not smiling.  He not only proved his point, but he did it objectively and without raising his voice - and he was irrefutably correct.

Heathen #1 left shortly after our conversation to move the object in question. The program being eliminated was not directed solely at my Heathens - it just felt that way because it was something that they love.  However, Heathen #1 saw the situation for what it truly was - a program elimination, not something about he or his brother personally. 

And Heathen #1 was correct in stating that was what he was taught - to offer help where he sees a need. Too bad that his mother needed a lesson refresher today. 

Heathen #1 humbled me this afternoon. 

Well done, Heathen. Well done.