serious people

I was wondering last week as I tried not to pee my pants laughing, how in the world all of my dance teachers were such serious people. I mean, watching extremely coordinated people struggle through space and movement is one of the funniest things ever! I giggle daily during the baby classes because they are just so cute and we work so hard to help teach them to focus and take themselves seriously and then when it actually takes root and happens it's just so wonderfully cute I have to laugh. I mean there is almost nothing more giggle worthy than a 6 year old completely poised and focused looking like a 20 year old. It's the same giggle impulse that makes me want to buy clip on ties for my nephews :)
Then when I see the near misses and hands flicking other people's feet out of the way in the big girl classes I just die! How in the world did my teachers always maintain such straight faces??? I love my job! I love my students! I love that in the sweatiest, hardest working moments there are still reasons to laugh. :)

critical

so, I tend to be a bit critical, in general. Now this is a horrible attribute somewhat buffered by the fact that I'm even more critical of myself than I am of others. None the less, this year I have been strongly convicted of my need to truly love those around me. Love those Christ saw worthy of His life and death and blood. And I had a thought....

I adore Olivia. I don't think I knew what healthy pride was until I was a mom. I see all of her flaws crystal clear and have to deal with them regularly but I still LOVE and am so proud of my baby girl. I sometimes get to visit with people, good friends, family, and "family" who don't see her very often and I'm always a little nervous. What if they don't adore her like I do? What if they can't see in her all I see? What if her bad day overshadows the brilliance and radiance that I know of her. It has happened before; the look of disinterest. Seen one toddler seen 'em all in a way. And I wonder if the feeling of personal let down and rejection I feel personally for their disinterest towards her is anything a kin to what Christ feels when I judge or simply overlook one of His children. He is a jealous God we are told, and I imagine that means over those that are His.

I wish knowing this could catapult me into suddenly loving everyone, but I know me better than that. Still, I do hope it will give me a little perspective next time I want to walk past that person in need; of give me cause to rethink the way I enter or exit a situation...