It's A Chess Game

It's a chess game. That is the way Kelly described my interactions with Patsy here. And it is true. Just when I think I may be making some strategic headway, little Patsy will make a move that effectively puts me in "check." Though I am not too good a chess player, I have no intention of being "mated" by this amateur. As I have told her many times, "Don't play with me, I always win." And I am dead serious. Not only do I have every intention of winning-- meaning this little girl finds out what behaving means and starts doin' it-- but I also fully intend to keep my happy, fun-loving nature (stop laughing, family...) in tact. I have heard so many people tell me how they have become tough, somewhat hard, and "meaner" than they had been prior to parenting their attachment disordered kids. Well, God willing I am going to become more relaxed (now how is that possible? I am already soooo RELAXED.... REALLY I AM!).
Today on the way to church we listened to Lost and Found singing "Lions." Such a great tune and reminded me that Satan is prowling the earth like a ravenous lion, seeking whom he may devour... I know he would love to see us throw in the towel and give up on this behavior challenged, way beyond irritating little kid. By the grace of God that is not going to happen. Maybe I am never going to be able to say "mate," but is it possible that someday I might wake up and realize we are no longer playing this game? Oh, I can only hope.
Lord, give us the strength to go beyond sticking it out with these kids... May you heal them and give them abundant life far beyond the unhappy start they have had in this world. Give us the wisdom to parent them along side the 10 kids and 1 dil you gave us first...We are trusting You to keep us from messing it up.