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It's easy to be happy on a day like today. The sun is casting a healthy dose of vitamin D in all directions, and the kids have spotted the first blooms in their bulb garden. Spring's so close I can taste it, and the smug satisfaction of having escaped the worst of old man winter is a rare bonus.
One of the perks of "older and wiser" is that I don't take a day like this for granted. Its sun-soaked splendor is truly a thing of beauty, and every breath of fresh air is charged with the promise of new life.
But even as I share my Julie-Andrews-twirling-on-the-mountaintop sentiments, there are so many struggling in the valley below...Those who wrestle with any number of unspoken hurts that ache just below the surface.
For them--and all of us, at some point--happiness slips behind the clouds, typical of its temporal nature. Joy, on the other hand, is ever-present, eternal--something we can choose to embrace in spite of less-than-sunny circumstances.
This doesn't mean an existence of rose-colored ignorance set to the tune of "Don't Worry, Be Happy." But it's another perk of getting to know the God of the Universe and believing that He's still in control. Easier said than done? Even Pollyanna would be lying if she didn't say, "Yes!" But certainly not impossible...especially on a day like today.
Ever watch "The Incredible Hulk?" Specifically, the shirt-tearing moment when Dr. Bruce Banner's anger transforms him into a green monstrosity? To me, that's the ultimate temper-tantrum analogy. Watching a happy, loving child explode into an inconsolable firestorm of frustration. (Although I've never witnessed any actual shirt-shredding.)
When it does happen, the hairy-eyeballing of parents with "less unruly" children--or people who've never been parents, for that matter--makes me want to Sharpie a scarlet "T" (for tantrum) on my chest and be done with it.
The self-criticism is even worse. "What am I doing wrong? Am I grooming a career criminal? Does Gymboree offer anger management classes?"
The truth is, every child has pulled an 'Incredible Hulk" at least once...some once a week or day. In most cases, he or she will outgrow it (mercifully). In the meantime, those of us "in the trenches" should be lifting one another up and being easier on ourselves. This is not to say we should hunker down and let little fists fly. But, if we focus less on raising "perfect" children and more on the bigger picture, we'll be less likely to have our own "Hulk" meltdowns.
Here's an article that really puts things in perspective:
http://lysaterkeurst.com/2012/01/i-dont-want-to-raise-a-good-child/
Don't let "little green monster" moments get the best of you; there will be plenty of "banner" days ahead!
..At least that's what I tell myself. :->
