Red Nail Polish... disaster.

I had just finished painting my 2 year old's toenails (first mistake) and then I left her unattended in the same area as the closed nail polish bottle (second mistake). A few minutes later my husband is reprimanding our oh so curious daughter for doing something naughty... and to my surprise (and embarrassment) the Cuteness painted herself and the carpet. What was I thinking?! I should have put the bottle away far from her reach (or memory), but even more importantly I should have been paying more attention to this little disaster-waiting-to-happen (Phoebe). Needless to say she was disciplined for opening a container she already knew was "no", but I also was disciplined, though not physically, for not being more responsible with my things (and child).

This little incident got me to thinking... why would she do something that she knew was wrong and she knew had negative consequences? Lots of reasons came to mind. 1) It was late at night and she was tired. 2) She was bored. 3) She was thinking more of how fun it would be to "do it herself" than the ensuing consequences. But I think the most valid reason would be... *tada*... you guessed it. She wanted my attention- whether good or bad- she wanted my attention. My sweet little princess opened a bottle of deep red nail polish; painted her body, arm, and hand, then splattered some on the carpet; all so she could get my attention. Well, boy did she EVER!

How many other little girls go out of their way for "attention"? Phoebe's only two and knows how to get attention from everyone. What about other "little" girls who desperately want to be loved, want to be held, want to be noticed, want to know that someone is there for them, that someone is rooting them on in life? From short shorts to drugs and alcohol. The "party girl" isn't really there to have fun, she's there because some deep need inside her is not being met. Sure they may say that all they want is to have a good time, but a good time doesn't equal getting plastered or puke-drunk or sleeping with a total stranger.

It starts out as nail polish doesn't it? It starts out innocent- something that can simply be cleaned or thrown in the trash. But if the heart continues to desperately reach for attention that they don't receive... what then? All women were little girls once. Each one wanted to be loved and cherished and feel special. Not every parent can fulfill every part of that need. In fact, I'll even say that no parent can completely fulfill that need. It's been said that every person (not just women) have a God-shaped hole in their heart. Even if you don't believe that- it's true. Everyone is searching for something bigger than they are, someone that can love them no matter what and will never let them down. As awesome as my husband is, as great of a dad as he is... he has and will let me and the kids down. I have and will let my husband and family down at some point. That makes us human. God is the only One that I can say without a shadow of a doubt has kept every promise, has always been there for me even when I "epic-failed" as a Christian, has always accepted me and loved me. He went to the Cross for me. He's always there. I don't have to paint myself with dark red nail polish to get His attention because the blood of His Son was enough. He saved me.

My daughter is one of my pride and joys. I can't give her what her heart needs. When she's crying out for attention, I need to respond with grace and patience and love, but I know I will inevitably fail at times. God is so much more gracious, more patient, and more loving than I ever hope to be and my prayer is that my daughter will realize that the only One who can fulfill her every desire is the One that died for her and is ready to receive her into His waiting arms.