Wall of Faith: Michelle

Potty Training Bootcamp

Potty Training Boot Camp took place at our house recently. Little did I know God would use it to teach me a thing or two as well. I heard the horror stories about kids that took years to train, read the "how to books" and got a pile of kid's potty books and videos from the library. I took the kid to the store, showed him all the babies on the boxes of diapers and told him what a big boy he was and he wasn't a baby any more. He picked out a potty seat and a pile of salty snacks and juice boxes. I got a stash of small toys and new books for prizes and we marked a quiet week on the calendar. I said a prayer for the little one to learn self-control and for this mama to have piles of patience.

With plenty of trial and error, the little guy learned to eliminate his toxins in the receptacle. He no longer sits in his refuse or carries it around in his diaper. I want to do the same. I don't want to wallow in sin. I don't want to pollute the world carrying on with a stinky attitude.

Toxins are bad. Bodily wastes not cleaned up properly cause sores, sickness and offensive smells. Attitudes and thoughts are the same. Broken relationships, genocides and wars start with little bad ideas.

Much like Adam and Eve hid after their fall, the little man hides if he makes a mess in his pants. He is embarrassed and feels shame. He knows he didn't do the right thing. But oh sweet boy, your Mama loves you and wants to help you get clean again. The two and a half year old is doing amazing...but he's had an accident or two or three or four...mostly when he gets busy or distracted. I do the same. I get overwhelmed watching the news, I get caught trying to "keep up with the Jones's", I mull around in anger, I judge others, I speak before thinking, I think things I shouldn't. Clearly, running to the potty isn't a one time thing. Thankfully we get many chances...every day. 2 Corinthians 10:5 "We capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ."

My kid traded pee for kisses, hugs and happy dances. He gave up poop and received stickers, candy and prizes. I had an overwhelming sense of pride for my little man and called family and posted celebratory posts on Facebook. I'm crazy about this kid- he brings me great joy. Jesus does the same- he trades our fears for His courage, doubts with faith, our judgmental attitudes with His grace and compassion, our hatred with His love. He takes our sin and gives us forgiveness. Run to the throne, my friends, run to the throne. Give up your refuse and all of heaven will cheer! Your Heavenly Father is crazy about you.

Zephaniah 3:17 "The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing."