There is nothing more terrifying than hearing your toddler repeat you, word for word, inflection for inflection. For the last two years I have wondered what he has retained. And glaringly, it's becoming obvious what he hears most. "Stay in bed! Don't touch the cord! You can't play with the plug!" he jokingly yells to me as I am laying in bed. With me in bed, and him in the standing position, he feels a sense of power. So he begins to mimic the parent role as he shuts my bedroom door. I hear him say . "Stay in bed. Turn off the light. Stay in bed......" I begin to wonder if any of the sweet loving things I say ever stick. 87 commands later he whispers, ...."love you". Yesterday, I overheard him in the garage repeating "Dangit, dangit, dangit" Yup, guess where he heard that one? I am becoming painfully aware of my tongue. For the last four months, I have wanted to pull my hair out parenting. My child, you know, the cute blonde, has been incredibly difficult. The majority of our conversations have been commands, things like "Do not pour baking soda on the couch. Stop chewing the table. Don't lick my toe. Stop playing in the garbage. The dog is not a step stool." He keeps me humble. Moms, you are doing the very best you can, and its enough. No one can parent your child better than you. God knew what he was doing when He gave you that toddler. And that parrot won't always mimic my words. Soon, he'll mimic my actions and reactions. This truth causes much fear and trepidation among moms I know and love. They feel a need to shape up spiritually and suddenly become super mom for fear their child will come to sudden ruin at their hand. My friends, oh inner self, this God who gave you that child, loves him more than you do. God is as zealous over your child as you are. And that parrot, well, he's always been in the room too. God sees and hears all we say and do. Unlike my toddler, the holy spirit won't be yelling back my words to me from the hallway. But he will hold me accountable for all I do with my tongue. 1 Cor. 10:31 "So whether you eat or drink, do all to the glory of God". Lord may our lips be subject to your honor. And for the love of all that is holy, may our toddlers stop chewing the furniture.