Otters give me perspective.
They are so entertaining to watch (and believe me they played to the crowd!), but I think what really struck me this week as I saw some otters swim, twist, bob up to say hello, and dive in the water is that they are doing just what they are designed to do. They know nothing else but to play, swim together, and be curious. They don't have any other agenda Not a chance. They are simply living out their created design as full-fledged otters.
As I think about my children, they are each so unique - different gifts, temperaments, interests, personalities. This fact sometimes makes it challenging when they can't agree or don't appreciate each other's differences....but I like the perspective that they are doing just what they are designed to do. Now, of course, Justin, Caden and Jade still need guidance and discipline to grow to maturity, but when I take the view that their uniqueness - while it may confuse or frustrate me at times - is an unfolding God-gift.
While as parents, we often want our children to play a sport that we played, or be good students like we were, or find a musical instrument that brings joy to them and others, or unleash some hidden artist talent. But they may or may not ever do those things because it might not be in the blueprint for their particular lives. No ifs, ands or buts.
It can (but not always) be hard to accept that our kids have their own paths. But maybe appreciating our children's uniqueness is an opportunity to see God's character in a new way. A chance to let go of expectations and be curious like those delightful otters because God delights in us and our children just as they are: full-fledged creations.
Psalm 139:13-14,16 (The Message)
Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out;
you formed me in my mother’s womb.
I thank you, High God—you’re breathtaking!
Body and soul, I am marvelously made!
I worship in adoration—what a creation!
Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.