Library Visit

We arrive at the library…ah, my place of refuge—my safe haven. I scan the rows of books, smiling. Quickly my three young girls remind me of their presence. They tug on my jacket until I lead them beyond the heavenly realm into the not so heavenly children’s section. I agree they all can pick out five books. I help the littlest one with her books. So far—a good visit. If all goes well I might get a chance to browse the new fiction books.

We head directly there. I’m on a mission. I breathe in the new titles, opening some to read first lines. Then, toddler child darts off. Knowing we could run into this, I went through the “library rules” several times before we entered. You know…no yelling and maintain a hushed “inside” voice, stay by me, don’t hit your sister…the basics. But the baby from The Incredibles (aka my youngest) decides now is the time to practice track races. I’m fuming. Heat travels to my ears. Calmly, I collect her. I hunch down so we are eye to eye. It takes a lot of self-control not to tell her that this is my place—my dreamy land of peace.

Instead I tell her that she’s in big time trouble when we get home.

It’s times like this that having the commandments on my forehead might be nice. Honor your father and your mother. Would a flashing red sign on my shirt work?

We are struggling in the listening department at our house right now.

“These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home (and at the library*) and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.” Deuteronomy 6:6-9

It is my prayer that I teach my children the commandments with a loving patience and a rich grace. I also pray I can go back to the library or a book store soon—alone.