It's Not About Me

This has been a fussy week for our little guy. He's had a fever, a rash, constipation, and 2 new teeth pushing through. It's enough to make anyone whine, but since I'm used to such a happy camper, it's been a pungent reminder of our daycare months (when he was sick nonstop). It has also reminded me that while he may be learning to communicate, his skills are way too limited for me to finally know What's wrong?!

Noah has also provided an amazing reminder of how isolation can lead to self-absorption can lead to misery. When we've been home alone this week, he has generally been clingy and at times unhappy. He can just sit and think about how his gums hurt and his throat's sore and he really needs to poop. Life is just hard. But then, we go out for a walk or to the grocery store or have a visitor, and life is fascinating! There are other people in the world! It doesn't take much. The cable guy--who uttered about 2 words--was cool enough to perk him up.

My Tuesday morning Bible study is talking about how Jesus saw people - really saw them - and it led him to compassion and action (Matt 9:36, Mark 6:34, Mark 10:21). While compassion may be a few years down the line, I can't help thinking Noah is seeing people. He's not bustling through his day, hoping not to be distracted from his agenda. He's not so focused on his ailments that he has to tell everyone about them. He forgets about himself - at least for a time - when someone else is in the room. And that's refreshing. It also means we're headed out the door... Daddy and Starbucks! YUMMY!