Forgotten Toothbrush

Last week as we were camping, Carson realized that he had forgotten his toothbrush.  At the point that he made this realization, we were almost an hour from home and turning back was not an option.  Knowing that toothbrushes are not expensive and that we could easily pick one up at a local store, I knew this wasn't really a big deal....  But, I made it one.  Lately, Carson has been rather absentminded and while forgetting a toothbrush is hardly cause for a criminal case, I really gave him a hard time about it.  Perhaps it was because I had mentioned it to him several times as we packed earlier in the day.  Perhaps I felt like it was a reflection on me and I felt very "lacking" as we left for the trip.  Perhaps I even thought it was a good lesson for him that might thrust him into greater responsibility for his belongings.  Whatever the reason, I gave him a hard time about it.....

A few hours later, as the boys were in bed asleep and I was preparing for bed myself, I made a convicting discovery- I forgot my toothbrush.  Yep.  God has a way of teaching us deep lessons, huh?  I was so quick to correct him- to point out his shortcoming- and yet, I had the same fault within.  Isn't that a struggle we, as Christians, often have?  We can so easily see (and often point out) the flaws in others while never acknowledging our own.  It can be so subtle, but it happens all the time.  Why do we do such things?  Do we think that God will love us more if we have checked all the boxes in our personal, imaginary tally sheet?   Why must our self-esteems be bolstered at the cost of another person's value?  As a parent, what makes your heart most tender, a child who comes with a list of all their personal accomplishments or the child who comes in absolute brokenness over the shortcomings they see within? 

I felt so broken.  I had given my poor son such a hard time when I had made the same mistake.  Later, I found Carson and explained that I, too, had forgotten my toothbrush and I asked his forgiveness for having given him such a hard time.   We should never be critical or harsh with another person with the intent of bolstering our own personal self-value.  There are times when one may need to be confronted or corrected, but it is always to be done in the spirit of love and gentleness.  My actions toward Carson- while wanting him to learn the lesson- were NOT done in love and gentleness.  I am so thankful for the slice of "humble pie" that God served me while camping- it was the lesson I needed.

How about you- has God ever served you a slice of "humble pie" before?

Do you see some of those tendencies in yourself?

What changes can you make to ensure that you are not being critical of another just to bolster your own self-esteem?

Since our Father is capable of all, let us look to Him to grow and perfect our faith.  Once we fully grasp the measure of His love for us and the magnitude of the grace He has poured out for each of us, we will be far less likely to be critical of another.  Father, give us eyes to see the heart of another and do all within our abilities to bless and encourage those in our world.  Help us to love them as You do and long to build them up rather than tear them down.  Thank you for being willing to use our feeble hands and feet as Your very own.  We love you! 

Blessings!