Progress

I took the boys to a classical guitar concert tonight at a little church down the road from us. I try to expose them to as much music as possible, especially free concerts (those are less painful to leave if attitudes and behaviors call for an early exit!). I always go in super-optimistically, thinking that they will do great, and then once we sit down the dread always hits like a pit in my stomach; what if he throws a huge loud fit and everyone's looking at us? What if there are bodily function issues? What if they announce the need to poop right at the quietest moment? What if Levi falls off his chair and starts howling?
BUT... tonight they did great. They each had a hand on them at all times, ready for a squeeze when they forgot the rules, and each boy was squeezed frequently throughout the whole hour. But each took redirection well, no fits, no falling, no tears! Hurray! It was like a little glimpse, a ray of light at the end of the tunnel, showing that all the neverending discipline, guidance, and teaching are making a difference, and that one day we will all be able to do fun things together without pulling our hair out, or getting thrown out!
I was reminded the other night (at Secret Church!) that the Christian life is not a life of ease, but a race to be run, a fight to be fought. I die daily to that life of ease, taking one step at a time; this is my calling as a mom. Jesus is sweet to give us reminders here and there that one step at a time actually does cover some ground. Progress. A gift.