We had the privilege last night of going to a screening of The Odd Life of Timothy Green. We had watched the trailers. We knew it was Disney and that it had some sort of adoption theme, and it just looked cute.
They tried to grow their family, did everything they could. But, they are told they need to move on. Their dreams for their child, every one they can name, are literally closed up and buried. But, they somehow–call it a miracle or call it magic–somehow become parents to a little boy. Thrown into parenting the boy of their dreams. And, we watch as they second guess themselves and make choices that may not have been the best.
They are learning as they go.
“We made so many mistakes. We made mistakes fixing our mistakes,” they told an adoption social worker. And, when she asked them why then they think they’d be fit parents, they replied right away something to the effect of, “We won’t be perfect parents, but we’ll make new mistakes.”
And, that’s one of the things I keep thinking about today.
I have made so many mistakes as a parent. Some may be seemingly insignificant. Others I truly grieve. I can claim more than 10 years tenure, yet my mistakes seem to be more obvious than ever. Maybe they are more obvious because I have more kids now with whom to make mistakes. Maybe they are more obvious because the kids are getting more skilled at pointing them out. Maybe I’m simply more in tune with my humanity. Regardless, I’m riddled with imperfection and gifted at making mistakes and making mistakes fixing my mistakes.
Thank God for the hope I have. The hope of realizing the end of myself and my need for grace. The hope of vulnerably repairing mistakes and connecting more deeply with my children. The hope of opportunities my mistakes give me to be real with my kids. And, the hope of moving forward with them, not ever trying to be a perfect mom, just trying to make new mistakes.
I think I’ll still be thinking about this movie tomorrow.
Anyone want to go with me to see it again?