Be Quiet - First

Posted on July 25, 2007
Filed Under Parenting, Grace, Family |

The other day when I got home from work, my son excitedly met me at the top of the stairs with news that made his heart absolutely sing. “I got a Playstation 3 today!” “Huh?” “I got it . . . today.” Immediately, and to my current shame, I started my barrage of questions/comments . . . mostly accusing ones. “How expensive is that thing?” “Is this what you worked so hard all summer for?” “I can’t believe you’d spend that kind of money . . . . blah, blah, blah.”

The look that two seconds before lit his face to glowing was gone. In its place was complete blankness; Cole was deflated. “Mom, I got a good deal on it. I got it used . . . ” And, as if my first tirade was insufficient, the second wave soon began. “Used?” “Does it work?” “Who’d you get it from?” “Is there a warranty?” Yada, yada, yada. Pretty soon the deflated . . . ness . . . was gone, and instead replaced with disgust. “Forget it.” Okay, now? Now, I’m a jerk and I know it.

“Babe.” I hear from downstairs. “He got it from a friend of Ry’s. It’s fine. He got a good deal.” Okay, now? Now, I’m an even bigger jerk. When will you just learn to listen???

I got no moral to this story, no great profound truths waiting in the wings to present in some dazzling way. I’m just sharing this because if I need to learn that it’s best to listen first and speak later, then maybe you do to . . .

Once I finally shut up, Cole told me pretty funny story about how he acquired his new “toy”, with money that he earned and could spend as he pleased. I, hurriedly, apologized and thanked him for humoring me. He, in his typical gracious manner, hugged me and said, “It’s a’ight moms.” Sigh. I’m such a jerk!

Peace and Blessings?

Nicole Walters