Lessons in the Little Things

His little fist clenched, the 8-month-old bellowed with all his might right to his Momma's face. Though the words remained barely articulated, his thoughts were perfectly so. "No nap for me, Mom! Might as well give up. I want my way, and I want it now!" Truth be told, this little boy was tired; very tired. But there were so many things to learn and do as a tiny tot. Exploring his world and his parent's faces is always such a fascinating venture!
With a quiet "No Baby, please lay down and go to sleep" and shaky determination, Momma fought the tears as she wanted so desperately to give Baby his way. She only wanted him to be happy; to smile that sweet baby smile boasting four new teeth, to babble his sweet baby-babble, and playfully grab at her hair.
Sometimes she wondered if perhaps this is how God feels when re-direction is needed in her life. Perhaps His children so desperately want their way, maybe even something that's good, but not something fully worthwhile. She wonders how it makes Him feel when she remains stubborn and un-trusting. Does it make Him hurt? Does He understand? Surely, He must!
Oh, the many times her Heavenly Father knew what she needed most, and she didn't want it. The many tears she has cried out of selfishness and desire for something else. The hurt He must have felt as He has had to redirect her steps, not necessarily to a more pleasant way, but to a much better way.
Thank God He gives her what she needs, not just what she wants. It only proves His love for her is so much deeper than she can fathom. The patience and strength He exhibits in her life is worth so much more than any momentary happiness she may seek.

"For the Lord disciplines the one He loves..."

~Hebrews 12:6a

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