A Simple, But Special Reminder

Usually my little Everett is so easy going and compliant. For the most part he is a very happy little kid. But recently, Everett has decided that it's time he asserted his will. Lately he has refused to come when we tell him to, he's been testing all of the boundaries we have set for him (such as not touching Mommy's decorations and Daddy's electronics), and he has been throwing temper tantrums. Not to mention he has decided that he needs little or no sleep. I've really painted a great picture of my son for you all haven't I? Just trying to be honest here... :)

Anyway, needless to say we have been thrown into a disciplining frenzy here at the Schaffer household. Much to my consternation, Everett obeys Daddy WAY BETTER than he obeys me. Everett will be throwing a fit and Tyler will calmly pick Everett up and say: "Stop." And Everett will immediately stop crying and calm down! When I try that it's always an epic failure.

Well, I share all of this because even though Everett has been testing my patience lately, I have been reminded of a very important lesson I learned in college. While I was in college I really struggled with guilt. It was so hard for me to wrap my head around the idea that God loved me unconditionally...that His love did not depend on my actions. Even if I committed the same sin repeatedly no matter how hard I tried not to do the same thing again, God's love for me didn't change. Now that I'm a parent, I can understand God's love a little better.  When Everett acts in disobedience it does not change my love for him at all. I love my son unconditionally.  It makes me sad that he has chosen to disobey me, but it does not change my love for him. The same is true of my heavenly Father. He is grieved by my sinful actions, but it does not change His love for me in the least. 
I am thankful for this special reminder again today!

And hopefully, Everett will snap out of this mood soon and be back to his happy, easy going self! :)