A Construction Worker and a Parking Lot—Who's Watching Whom?!

~By Sharon Czerwien

Well, this week I had a two-time realization reminder (is that even a thing???). I decided to write this blog post last-minute to share a personal reminder.

Story & Realization Reminder #1

There was construction work near our house this week. It cracked me up because my children and my neighbor’s children were watching the workers from their respective house’s windows.

It was the most interesting thing, as at one point the two workers were on their tummies looking down in a hole. I giggled internally trying to picture myself on my tummy while the neighborhood kids watched me work.

Here is my personal realization, though—my children are technically “always” watching me. Whether I make wise or unwise choices, I have little eyes watching and learning.

Yep, this concept was humbling when I re-thought about the implications of little eyes watching me.

Story & Realization Reminder #2

Also just this week, I had to drive my children around town in my husband’s truck. I can park it ‘fine’ enough—as long as nobody is around keeping me from getting the necessary parking angle. I can park our minivan a lot easier; so I try not to drive in busy parking lots in the truck if I can help it.

Well, I did recently need to park the truck in a busy shopping center. I was *so annoyed * while parking! People kept getting in my way; so I could not get my desired angle, and I had to keep driving around and around. I kept mumbling and grumbling to my kids that this was why we could never get too big of an SUV to replace the van because I would be so annoyed parking everywhere we went!

Because I tend to rehash ridiculous drama to my husband when he’s home from work each day, I told him the whole parking story and how everyone was in my way in the truck…blah, blah, blah. (In my defense, he did feel badly enough for me.) =]

I then went on to state how I never get annoyed while parking the van. My son, though, quickly inserted, “Yes, you do! You can get annoyed in the van, too!”

Stink, I thought to myself. Without realizing it, I grumble more around my kids than I was aware. Their eyes are always watching me (and their ears are listening!)!

Quick Encouragement

I desire to encourage any readers that someone important is always watching us. Whether it’s a co-worker, niece or nephew, neighbor, or fellow driver in the crazy parking lot, someone is paying attention to our responses and words.

How do we respond when life gets even a little bit bumpy!? I realized this week that I have LOTS of room to grow.

Here’s my verse to think through this week:

Colossians 3:17

And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

~Driving On,

Sharon