Full disclosure: I hated potty training. I hated being thirty seconds from the closest bathroom, I hated spending money on Pull Ups and underwear as we transitioned, and I hated most of all cleaning up accidents that looked very much like human feces. I didn’t mind cleaning baby diapers as much, but somehow this was different. It made me gag.
I need to confess my horrible attitude during the process. Why was it so hard to go to the bathroom? My boys loved throwingCheerios in the toilet and aiming at them. They would drink large amounts of fluids and run to the bathroom together just to play target practice. But going #2 in the toilet proved mostdifficult, especially for my oldest.
I tried all the tips and tricks, but Nathan refused to go anywhere but in his pants. I threw out the underwear—I couldn’t even look at it without gagging. I was desperate to get this potty-training business over and move on to another milestone of childhood, one that didn’t involve nausea. I prayed to God for direction and wisdom. He answered with one word—patience. But I chose another route.
I bought a pack of Batman underwear because Nathan adored this superhero. Who wouldn’t? Batman is a normal human being with no super powers, yet he gets to drive a crazy cool car and play with the greatest crime fighting inventions of all time. What’s not to like?
I pulled out the pack of Batman underwear and showed it to Nathan. His eyes lit up as he reached for the bundle, but I pulled them just out of reach. “Now wait a minute. I spoke to Batman this morning before I bought this pack of underwear. I explained to him that you keep pooping in his underwear and he was not happy at all.” Nathan’s eyes widened and I think he even gulped.
“I told Batman I didn’t want to buy any more of his underwear but he said I should, and to give you this message.” I leaned in closer, for effect. “He wants you to know that you cannot poop in his underwear anymore. If you do, then you can’t watch anymore of his shows. And I can’t read any of his books to you.” Nathan looked at me earnestly and nodded his head. He promised me that he would not poop on Batman anymore.
A few days later, I heard wailing coming from the bathroom. I rushed to the door and discovered an extremely distraught child. “I pooped on Batman! I pooped on Batman!” I almost laughed until my gag reflex kicked in and reminded me that I had to deal with yet another pair of disgusting underwear.
I’m not proud of this moment, but I lost it with my kid. “Oh, Nathan! Batman is so disappointed with you. I’ll have to give away all your Batman books and DVD’s.”
“No, Mom, please! You’ve got to call Batman and ask for one more chance.” I’m sure God intervened. I cooled off and agreed to talk to the Caped Crusader to negotiate another chance.
Nathan never had another accident, but I carried my shame and guilt into the next decade. Yes, my child was officially in big boy underwear, but at what cost? Thankfully, God gives grace, such an abundance of grace! Nathan is now twenty-seven, engaged to the most delightful young Christian woman. He has no memory of his potty-training experience. When I related my disgraceful desperation, he also gave me grace.
“Mom, you were frustrated and out of ideas. You did your best, and everything turned out okay. If you need my forgiveness, you’ve got it.” Speaking of grace, God gave me boatloads during my mothering years. He smoothed out my rough edges and held all our hearts as I muddled through the process.
As I wrapped up this article, Proverbs 16:9 came to my mind.“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Even when we make mistakes, we can trust that God is still in control. Our selfish hearts insist on planning our own paths. But ultimately it is God who directs our steps. Even through our mistakes, He uses them to guide us toward His perfect will and purpose for our lives. God is so good!
Jann Franklin is a cozy mystery writer and guest author for this blog. For more of her writings and access to her books and more, check out her website at jannfranklin.com
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