October 28, 2008 | Mama Smith

the ordered one

Brighton is our organized, structure-addicted child. He loves order and the “known”. And much like his mom, he doesn’t cope with transitions or change very well.

While there are a whole host of downsides to this type of personality – which I deal with all too often myself – there are also beautiful, redeemed things about it.

The way he lines up his crayons, markers, sidewalk chalk and lists the colors as they’re laid out, then again as they return to their container. The way he builds towers with the long blocks on the bottom and the triangle ones on top. The way he stacks his library books from largest to smallest and wants to read them from top to bottom.

I recognize the danger in finding comfort in structure and predictability as that’s not typically how life stays for long, but I also recognize that as a kid, it’s sometimes nice to not have to feel the full weight of that reality just yet and to help Brighton find rest both in order/structure in our home and also in having to run to Jesus when life gets messy and unpredictable.

There are lots of things mulling around in my head lately. I wish I had time to journal them all, then share select parts with you all, but I’ve been a cranky, unbearable mom this morning and as I hear the boys rising from their naps, it’s time for me to bundle up, whether I like it or not, and engage in some outdoor play and bonding.

I have a host of pictures to share and upload to flickr, but I chose this one because it’s one of my favorites this week. B absorbed in his chalk play. His artwork scribbled on the stairs. His new boots kicked off despite the 50 degree temp outside. And the bare toes. I really love these boys.