Because I Said So

You know that moment. The one where you hear yourself say something and instead of your voice it's your mom's. Unlike most people, I never said I wouldn't use the phrase "because I said so." And it's a good thing. Because the older Brynna gets, the more I use it. And I use it. A lot.

Sometimes it's because I can't bear to go down the "Why?" rabbit trail.
Me: Brynna, don't belly flop off the sofa.
BG: Why?
Me: Because it's dangerous.
BG: Why?
Me: Because you could bust your head open.
BG: Why?
Me: Because you are landing 2 centimeters from a brick fireplace. Don't jump.
BG: Why?
Me: Because I said so.

Sometimes it's because I don't have another answer.
Me: Brynna, don't sing the high-pitched song with no words for the 17th time today.
BG: Why?
Me: Because I said so.

Sometimes it's because she can't yet grasp the bigger concept.
Me: Brynna, always stay where I can see you in the mall.
BG: Why?
Me: Because I said so.

Sometimes it's because IT IS the bigger concept.
BG: How do I know I'm safe when it's dark?
Me: Because I said so.

We all come to places in life where there isn't an answer we can fully comprehend. And in those moments, we have to have Someone we've learned to trust. We have to know Someone loves us and has proven over time that even if we don't understand, we can do what He said just because He said so. When Brynna gets to the hard(er) stuff, she won't have to wonder when I steer her safely away from certain pitfalls. She will have learned that there are times you get to ask all your questions and fully understand the answer and there are times when you obey not because you understand but because you trust the one who gave the directive. If she can learn to obey simply because I said so, then she can trust God enough to obey simply because He said so.

And maybe along the way, we can all learn with her...