let's make a deal

the desire for control is something born into human nature. from the time we are infants, people try to gain control of their own situation. every single one of us can remember at least one story in our lives of going up against authority for a little piece of control. some of us are successful in taking control of every situation we are in, 'cuz we need to be in charge. some of us never want control and are okay following behind someone else. the interesting thing about control is when life starts to get a little crazy and unpredictable, most of clamour for control over something in our life. we start posturing for position and hope that by being "in control" we will find some peace.

trading, bargaining, bartering, wheelin' and dealin'. these words have meant a way of life for all of world at some point in history. one would think since these concepts have been so ingrained in the human race, i would be more understanding when my three year old attempts to fully embrace these ideals on a daily basis...angling for control in his young life.



"daddy, how 'bout i eat two bites of broccoli and one chicken nugget?" "can i get only three spankings?" "can i play for just two more minutes?" "how 'bout Bubba does (fill in job here) and not me?"



he is constantly pushing Wendy and me to the breaking point with all the deals he want to make with us. i would like to say that most of the time we are strong and rebuff his deals with the firm parenting skillz we have. however, there are times when we give in and then wonder about our lack of clear thinking. i often wonder if all the Star Wars stuff is rubbing off on him and he is using a Jedi mind trick on me. my only hope is that he will grow to use this power for good and not for evil.

may you see that always being in control does not allow for much freedom and spontinaity in your life. may you realize that allowing some level of chaos is truly okay in a person's life..after all, control is something that is most often gained through the manipulation of others.