All I Need to Know I Learned Babysitting

• My house really is way too small.
• I'm glad I have an education and degree I can use some day.
• A box of fishy crackers doesn't go very far.
• I can get most any kid to crack a smile.
  
• Paper plates are a must.
• Writing names on paper cups is a good idea, too.
• I like hugs.
• I don't like muddy shoes.
• Put the markers up. High.
• Put your book group book up high, too.
• Mr. Clean Erasers really are magic!

• And the most important thing I've learned from babysitting....if I can take the time and energy to be patient and loving with someone else's children, I can most certainly make the effort to do the same with my own.
  

Recently, I accepted a babysitting job. It's only a couple days a week for a few hours at a time. It did come at a time where it's nice to have a few extra dollars to "play" around with and stretch the budget. But, it didn't exactly come at the greatest time for me "emotionally." I'm feeling a bit stressed and over my limit as of late, but still really felt like I could manage the job and I have. But some days, my plates do feel a bit too full and they sometimes spill over. On those days it is my kids who unfortunately "get it." "It," being the wrath of their tired, cranky mother. All the while someone else's children are treated with respect, kindness, patience and love.

And then, it dawned on me the other day, that these kids of "mine" really do belong to someone else. These kids have been sent to me from a loving Father in Heaven. Really, they are on loan to me. He has entrusted me with their care while they are here on this earth. He has given them to me to teach and to nurture, with love and patience. And not just on the good days, but also on the bad and the tired and the frustrated. It is my responsibility and should be my honor, everyday, to treat them as I would and do someone else's children. For really, they are HIS.