...For anyone parenting a toddler, the frequent pronouncements of "Me", "Mine", "Me Do", is almost as familiar as the ever-uttered favorite.."No!" (spoken with great authority.) These mini-phrases of self are being used around our house frequently in proper context, and, amusingly, not so much at other times...
For example, the other evening as Maggie was virtually inhaling a bowl of cupcake ice cream after dinner..."No!" was her immediate and definitive response, after being asked if it was good.
Funny stuff.
Part of development as the child seeks/forms identity, the "Me" phase usually lasts until, well...
hmm....some, it would seem, never outgrow this phase.
Lately, I have been more aware of happenings confirming we are living in a "You first... AFTER me" world.
The other day, as Maggie and I were exiting the doors of the Big "W", an elderly couple in a car slowed down, pulled up, and stopped, presumably so one of them could get out. It is common knowledge that the area in front of the doors is a courtesy zone to the pedestrians, and persons needing assistance getting in and out. (And for those that missed that in their driver's education, the large yellow lines and letters spelling "Y-I-E-L-D" mean you have to slow down, and more often, stop and wait for the pedestrians. )
Apparently, the woman in the car behind had better things to do than wait for the gentleman to assist his wife out of their car, as suddenly, she rapidly jerked her car around theirs and accelerated through with no thought or consideration to anyone else entering or leaving the store except...can you guess?
...Yep, herself. Thankfully, I had Maggie in my arms and we both were able to get out of her way safely, with a few other people. Whew! I was left standing there wondering what could possess someone to act so selfishly. What in the world was so important that she could not spare an extra few seconds to do what not only was right, but also safe?
The answer can be traced back to toddler days: ME, MINE, I DO.
Ironic, isn't it? Full-grown adults who have never grown beyond their self-focused and centered toddler years. Our world is full of examples of this...failed marriages, broken families, the marked increase in children being raised by their grandparents,(parents too preoccupied with themselves) corrupt political and business leaders, broken churches...it's a long, sad list.
You ever wonder how different things would be if everyone just tried a little harder, and rather than "You first, after ME..."
...God was first, as He should be?
...the remnants of Tropical Storm Fay made their way here overnight, providing us with much needed rain, and surprisingly cool temperatures. 
