Mothering with Dr. Seuss

Last weekend while going through my daughter’s binder, I found another assignment for me. Late Sunday, I realized that my child was supposed to dress up as a Dr. Seuss character to celebrate his birthday. Since, I didn’t really have anything handy, she and I headed out into the cold rain to search for something to make her look like “Thing 2”, per her request. All I was looking for was a red sweatshirt and matching pants. Easy enough, right? Well, all of the stores think it’s spring already, in spite of the cold weather in snow. In the end, I had to buy a pattern and fabric.

We came home, and I painstakingly tried to break in my new sewing machine. Not to mention, I haven’t sewn in more than a decade. Once I couldn’t figure out how to thread the bobbin or even how to get it out of the casing. Just as I was prepared to use force, I figured it out. After staying up past my bedtime and pulling out several defective stitches, I realized that school would be canceled due to the snow. Fast forward, 2 snow days later, the outfit is finally done! My child will be the cutest little “Thing 2” ever. One problem, I have no idea when to send her dressed up. What a dilemma.

So what did I learn? I learned about sacrificial love. I was exhausted and frustrated, and at times hated my life while I was fighting with the machine. But I knew it would make her happy. Love is definitely not selfish. Love is hard sometimes. The alternative would have left me with a very sad and disappointed little girl. So, I’m grateful for Dr. Seuss birthday. I got a chance to remember how much I enjoy sewing. I was able to use my talents to create something for my daughter. She’s thrilled. I am too. When we learn to love per Jesus’ example, love works.