Last week I planned an outing for the kids that accomplished some errands for me and some fun things for them. Ella knew the first part of my plan but not the full extent of it, and she was upset and crying because of one thing I wouldn't let her do. She was speaking in absolutes, just like I do when I get upset. I just NEVER get to do what I want! [pitiful face] She responded well to my instruction and recovered herself, and we had a fun outing, and the Spirit within me connected some dots for me, too.
How often have I cried, felt sad because I couldn't do what I wanted or because some other felt need wasn't being met the way I thought it should, and all the while, the Lord has these wonderful, kind, and gracious plans waiting for me. Ella was partly upset because she thought something was being withheld from her, and I thought to myself, "Do I EVER go to the store without bringing her some small treat? Don't I plan fun things for her all the time? Doesn't she know how good I am to her?" And don't I know the same truths about my heavenly Father? He has given me the best gift in His Son. And doesn't He show a million kindnesses day by day? I am always having my own heart revealed through shepherding my children's hearts.
He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all,
how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?
- Romans 8:32 -
Thoughts from Television
A couple of days ago I was exercising during James' nap-time while I caught up on some television-watching. Somewhere in between some bicep curls a woman comforted another woman who was crying over the end of a relationship. She said something to the effect of: The relationship you had was alive and vibrant, and now it's dead. You're a scientist. Have you ever seen something dead come back to life better than it was? I just thought, no, I haven't seen it, but I believe it, and I put my hope in it.
Science and the things we see can only take us so far. I was overwhelmed again by the hope of Christ's resurrection and so thankful that life is made up of more than what we see. Our hope is so sure and so great.
Though you have not seen him, you love him.
Though you do not now see him, you believe in him
and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory,
obtaining the outcome of your faith,
the salvation of your souls.
- 1 Peter 1:8-9 -
AMEN! Amen. Thank you, dear sister, for sharing your heart here. I love getting to read it.
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