Toddler Socks

I went shopping last night…all alone. Now, don’t go feeling sorry for me. It was quite a treat for me, mom with 5 kids! I listened to Christmas songs, looked at gorgeous decorations, viewed elaborate window displays, saw spectacular yards lighted up like Disney World, and even caught a glimpse of the Christmas boat parade when leaving the mall! It was satisfying, quiet, and peaceful, yet, a weird sense of unfamiliarity… I am never alone without my children!
With all this “quiet time” I was able to hear myself think. The mall seemed quiet for this time of the year. Everyone seemed to themselves, concerned enough with their own thoughts and preoccupations. In Gap Kids, an angry mom was returning a pair of socks, too small for her toddler. The socks had been washed and even with the receipt, and a very insistent mommy, the sales clerk was not budging on this return. They were face to face and “Mommy Dearest” was now beside the register in a sock tug of war.
I was busy finding p.j. sizes for a 10 year Christmas tradition with my best friend. (We get all 9 of our children matching p.j.’s every year!) This task can be quite daunting with children ranging in ages 4 to 18 at present! I had lucked upon the cutest pajama pants…red with black Scottie dogs! All I needed was 1 more size for the 4 year old and I was inquiring at the counter.
All my purchases were awaiting the total when I went back to check a size…”Entitled Mom” came and put 6 pair of toddler socks in front of my pile of goodies! Folks, this wasn’t “Return Mom,” this was a different mom in the same store with toddler socks! What’s the deal with toddler socks?
I do not believe in coincidences and this was not a coincidence.
There must be a message here for me in the toddler socks.
What is the Lord trying to say through 2 upset and distressed moms and 7 pair of toddler socks? There had to be a message.
Socks. Socks are basic needs. Socks for moms can even be a chaotic nightmare! Have you ever been responsible for laundering 49 pair of socks per week (that’s 78 individual socks), with sizes ranging from newborn to adult size 10 with every range between? (Now you see my primary reason for desiring year round flip-flop usage…it eliminates washing and drying and pairing 312 socks per month!) Socks also are a warm, cozy, simple pleasure in life. And personally, as a mom who has experienced labor and delivery 5 times… one of the hospital essentials is a brand new pair of socks! And for those parents that have “tag and seam sensitive” kids… again, the right brand and thickness of socks will either promote or hinder the morning routine.
Okay, so, what is the hidden message in toddler socks and harried moms?
Could the message be not to get unusually upset with the everyday necessaries in life to the point of developing an ulcer? Is it that we all need a laundry plan for our socks? Maybe, it’s that we all have a common bond…SOCKS…“we put them on 1 sock at a time..” Although, with toddler socks it can be more like a new Olympic event to get the socks matching and completely on the child within a reasonable time. Maybe it’s to appreciate those “terrific two’s…” I have a cousin I have been waiting to give a new pair of socks to for 3 years. She has had 3 miscarriages and I am sure she would love to wrangle with a toddler, purchase toddler socks, or even get toddler socks for a gift!
Lord, am I getting the toddler sock message?
What about those kids that have no socks? Maybe, holes in their socks, or not enough socks, socks that are too small, no-one to wash their socks, no-one to buy their socks, no-one to even care about their socks.
What about women who desperately want to be able to purchase a pair of socks and can not? Cannot because they have to choose between clothing and food. Cannot because they can’t get pregnant, have waited years on an adoption list, have lost their child to cancer or drug use or custody battles.

What about the moms that were buying the socks. They have money to buy designer socks. But they are angry and wounded and have lost the peace that can not even be enjoyed at this Christmas season. They may have money and prestige but no mood or peace. Their hearts are cold and hard like the “Grinch” with a heart that had grown 2 sizes too small.
Two sizes too small. That reminds me of the original scene last night at the mall. The mom returning the toddler socks that were too small.
I am not sure who won the exchange. Maybe the store clerk grew her heart 2 sizes too large and let the mom get a new pair. Maybe the mom walked away never to return to “Gap Kids.” I will not know the answer until heaven’s gate I enter.
I think I know the Lord’s message.
God will always let us make an exchange. Even if the merchandise has been washed and worn, shrunk or torn. He’s in the business of meeting our basic needs and growing our hearts 2 sizes just right. Returns need no receipt, no warranty, no extended purchase agreement, no 30 day policy or these parts not included. All we do is show up and ask.
The next time you see a pair of socks, wash a pair of socks, or have a missing sock; pray for the person wearing that sock or laundering that sock. Pray for kids without socks and moms and dads without socks to give. Maybe put socks on your Christmas list and include a prayer. I think we can all look at socks in a new way and remember the Lord’s message about “Toddler Socks.”
Merry Christmas and may your socks be hung on the chimney with PRAYER .