Potty training two-year-olds is—for lack of a better word—fun. Cleaning up puddles of pee and soiled underwear…yeah, fun. I’ve found that what works best for my babies at school  is setting expectations and following through.

One of the expectations I’ve set is that if you soil your clothes, then you change your own clothes. And when I say change your own clothes, I mean change your own clothes. The only assistance they get from me is retrieving their clothes from their cubby.

None of the children in my class like changing their own clothes, but one in particular absolutely despises changing his own clothes.  He also likes to be stubborn and refuses to use the potty.  His dislike of changing his clothes and his desire to be stubborn—they don’t mix well.

Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.
Psalm 32:9

When I read this I thought of my rebellious potty training child and then, I thought about myself.

God has provided me with a guide on how to live life. The whole Bible is relevant, but when I think of specific wisdom tips, the Book of Proverbs is what comes to mind. I love the Book of Proverbs because the “if—then” aspect is so clear to see. For example….

If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself;
but if you listen to correction you grow in understanding.
Proverbs 15:32

I often weigh my consequences before making decisions. And, like this child at school, I sometimes make the same decision knowing that I’m going to dislike the outcome. Senseless is what I call this. The very moment I make a decision that is not in my favor (and I mean best for me, which is God’s way), I’d call that senseless.

Sometimes, I wish the Lord would apply a bit and bridle to me, so I could stay out of trouble and stop making senseless choices. However, freewill is what I was given instead, which means self-control must be exercised. And the sense I’ve been provided is found on each page of the Bible.

* * * * *

Lord, my prayer is that I am not like a senseless horse or mule and that I be sensitive to Your ways. Give me the strength to exercise self-control and steer clear of senselessness. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.