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Because Life is Like Dora the Explorer

by Julie Arduini  
8/20/2007 / Parenting

I hate when truth hits me square in the eyes and the reality of this week gave me quite the lesson, one I thought I'd share. Because if I'm feeling this way, maybe you are too.

It's been a bit of a long week given we have an almost four year old who of late has taken drama to a completely new level. I remember a couple weeks ago I thought boy I need to pray for the childcare workers at church---every girl of that age, including my own, was in tears, for no reason any adult could understand. It's just a teary season. When this goes on more than one day, more than one time, well kudos to you if you can handle it, but my head hurts. My smile is there, but pained, and I'm tired. I think mentally moms in this stage run the equivalent of a marathon when it comes to parenting a preschooler. This week my veins have been coursing in caffeine just to keep up and I'm jealous that I can't cry as much as the four year old and get away with it. Cuz I really want to!

So with all that, I was muttering to God, calling it prayer isn't accurate and this was the truth He lovingly but honestly gave back. I want life to go from point a to point b in the fastest most easiest way. And that's not going to happen in real life because----it doesn't even happen on Dora the Explorer.

Here are the points God gave me to drive the point home. I'm fascinated!

1---She never gets straight to her destination. There is always a bridge, a mountain, some obstacle that takes some time to deal with. It takes time and effort.

2---She doesn't go anywhere without her map. She consults the map often and with that knowledge, she's able to journey along in spite of those obstacles. I have a map of my journey, I truly consult the Bible but I need to keep it as close as Dora does the map. That could use some improvement on my part. It really is relevant for the journey after all these years.

3---You can count on Swiper the Fox determined to get in Dora's way. This little guy is stealth and sneaky but he's always lurking around just waiting on an opportunity to pounce on Dora's travel agenda. Life's like that whether you acknowledge a Swiper in your life or not.

4---But Swiper never wins. Usually Dora and her trusted friend Boots sing a declaration of truth. Swiper, no swiping and with that authority, the fox disappears. I know I bring Seinfeld up a lot but I remember an episode where George's dad yelled "Serenity Now" every time he was overwhelmed or discouraged. Well I'll be honest. Sometimes I'm so upset I can just say Jesus or help me. Sometimes I can issue a decree where I'll send the fox in my life packing with the power packed statement that starts with "in the name of Jesus..." Have you tried that? Whether it's a day that feels endless, nights filled with fear, temptation way bigger than you, give it a try. It works for me every time.

5---When Dora reaches her destination, everyone sings a song of gratitude. They are happy they made it and review the journey. And they start all over again!

So that lesson humbled me. I'm still frustrated that things aren't going easier, but at least I get it's gonna have some roadblocks, there is a fox out to get me, the fox won't win, I have the power to send him packing, I can sing when it's all done, and I will consult my map.

Happy Exploring!
*Dora the Explorer is a children's show on the Nickelodeon Network.

Julie Arduini, http://thesurrenderedscribe.blogspot.com/, is devoted to writing for Christ in ways that encourage and inspire. A graduate of the Christian Writer's Guild, her writing resume is on her blog's sidebar. Happily married to Tom, they have two children.

@2009 by Julie Arduini

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