Mama's Boy

Some of you may have noticed something – both those of you who know us personally and those of you who have frequented this blog and our family blog. My son is a mama's boy. Big time.

Now that he's getting older (three and a half, at this point) we are, in many ways, fully immersed in the process of teaching him that other people can do things for him as well. At least he's progressed to the point where other people are acceptable, especially for social interaction. But, when there is a need, it's “I want Mommy” all the way.

As his mom, I can't do it all. I need help. I can't always be the one to dress him, cuddle him when he gets hurt, push his chair up to the table, or get his snack. Sometimes Daddy, or even big sisters, need to help with that. Although it's rare, sometimes Mommy needs to be gone, and my silly boy needs to be able to deal with other people meeting his needs.

From a human perspective, a mama's boy needs to be properly trained to be open to other people's involvement in his life. Not to remove the bond, mind you – I don't ever want to lose the love. But, he needs to learn to rely on and have solid relationships with others.

From a spiritual perspective, though, I think there might be a lot we can learn from mama's boys (and daddy's girls).

You see, when I look at this sweet boy and his complete reliance on me, I see a little bit of the relationship I should have with my heavenly Father. There are a lot of things and people my son likes to have around him for comfort and fellowship. He loves the days when his daddy's home. He can't stand to be separated from his beloved sisters. He wants his stuffed puppy and his little silkies. And, he always seems to have a pile of cars wherever he goes. Those are his little comforts and delights.

But, when it comes to needing love, the deepest levels of comfort, or a supply of needs, none of those other things or people work. On all levels, he has a need for Mommy.

What if I were to have that relationship with my heavenly Father? He has created me to need earthly relationships. That is obvious from the very beginning of His Word and is reinforced throughout. He has created me to crave those little comforts and delights. But my true and constant need should be for Him. For His continual presence near me. When I am lonely, I should go straight to Him before anyone else. When I need comfort, I should desire His. When I have need, who else can provide better?

I should want no other more than I long for Him. I should be a Daddy's girl to the extreme.

So, while I am going to be teaching Steven that there are other people who can help take care of him, I hope to teach him that, above all, he should be a Daddy's boy with more reliance on his heavenly Father than on anyone in this world, myself included.