Carpool Correction

Of course I know the rule: “Parents, please don’t use your cell phone while in the carpool line on our campus.” It’s a great mandate and one I agree with 100% -- in fact I’ve often frowned upon chatty moms during the chaotic afternoon dismissal time.

So of course as I approached the crosswalk line I desperately tried to tie up the conversation with my girlfriend on the other end of the line, but her riveting story just wasn’t coming to a close. I hunched over a little to the right of the steering wheel so the math teacher monitoring the crosswalk wouldn’t notice me. Whew -- I hung up just in the nick of time. Wrong.

As I pulled over to the curb to pick up my child, the crossing guard followed me and motioned for the window to go down. Feeling much like a 10-yr-old who had broken curfew, I braced myself for the lecture. “Ma’am, you know you’re not supposed to be on the phone in car pool line.” I stammered for a response desperately wanting to argue that I’d NEVER done this before, and did he see all the OTHER moms doing the same thing?! - when I looked over and noticed my 12-yr-old had just climbed into the car. Busted.

I swallowed my pride and assured the dutiful teacher I’d be more careful in the future. My son turned away, trying to hide a grin.

Sigh. Will I never outgrow wincing through correction? And yet I’m thankful for that gentle reminder that my son needs a mom who’ll readily admit her mistakes and accept a scolding. After all, wasn’t it just that morning I’d prayed for humility? Prayer answered.

Oh Lord, make me teachable.

He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise. Proverbs 15:31