“What? Those kids are moving up, and we’re…mmm… not?”

“Just for now until your toddler is 100 percent potty trained,” the school director said.

Maybe I can travel to the moon to meet an astronaut, I thought to myself going to the car as this potty training is a battle not yet won. Between us moms and readers, my little gal is 75 percent there, but we can’t have others advance to bigger classrooms before my three-year-old does.

My humanness was coming through. I know for a fact many of the little people in the same class aren’t trained. I started getting resentful, yes, I know lame.

Then comes the Holy Spirit. Why does that always happen? I want to stew, be combative and show them we’re no slouches in the toddler world, you know?

“Lord give me a second here. I want to vent,” I bemoaned to Him.

Fat chance.

The conviction came as fast as my face flushed red, telling me to “cool it.” Looking back, I know it wasn’t a big deal. Momma bear needn’t come out for this one. Human nature dictates we make everything a contest, potty training included — laugh at me, it’s okay.

That little offense was consuming until the following day. It’s those little foxes that spoil the vines. What does it matter if my gal takes longer? I am sure it won’t hurt her getting into college or hurt her salvation. In the grander scheme of life, our offenses don’t mean diddley.

Often, our self-identity is not based on our relationship with Jesus — but earthly concerns. Getting that promotion, having a ton of friends, getting the best education are matters we base our identity on to a fault. When things fail or disappoint, we bottom out. In my case, my temper intensified.

Tapping into God’s presence is key. He’s bigger than the small problems and the more prominent things as well.

As Galatians reminds us “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” I grudgingly gave it to God.

A month later the director pulled me aside. They said they are taking my child, moving her forward to the next level. I spent all that time being upset, and for what?

Isn’t God wonderful in the messy things in life like potty training?

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

Proverbs 3:5-6

About the Author

Corine Gatti-Santillo has spent two decades as an editor, investigative reporter and web content strategist; her work has appeared in The Christian Post, LifeZette and CBN, among other outlets. She is host of the program “Mom on the Right” on The Liberty Beacon TV. She and her husband, Rocky, live in Virginia with their infant daughter and yellow lab Maggie.

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