Many children were dressed nicely for church this week. I enjoyed the frilly skirts and golden slippers. Then there was a little boy whose buttons did not quite match up. There was a nuisance one at the bottom, and although he could probably not see it there was another by his neck. I imagine that everyone was in a hurry and got into the car without a final check. 

 

I loved it. 

 

It meant that he had been proactive enough to fasten his own buttons, and saved his mother that much of her limited time. Plus he felt independent. 

 

I also enjoy seeing shoes on the wrong foot. This is a child's logical response to shoes that velcro or buckle on the inconvenient outer side, rather than the more sensible inner side of the shoe. If a three year old is going to shod him or herself, they must make do.

 

At some point mothers need to let go of dressing their preschoolers, to make room for personal growth. But it does mean things will get messy. 

 

I remember when our son loved to wear a pair of short shorts and a long t-shirt. To be fancy, he would tuck the shirt in, which then peeked out of the bottom of the shorts. I doubt he was aware of it, not being one to stand in front of a full length mirror. 

 

God also faces the dilemma of allowing His children to participate in their progress. If He does not allow us to fail, our successes have no meaning.