Just last week my three year old reminded me that we hadn't been toy shopping in some time. If I remember correctly, his exact words were "mommy I need some more toys". I replied by explaining to him that we had just gone toy shopping two weeks prior to his request and that there were plenty of toys at home for him to play with. But that wasn't good enough for my son, no he needed new toys. So of course I caved in and took him and his little brother to the store. They were both instructed to only pick out one toy.
Before I could even start up my car both of my boys were begging for their toys to be opened for the ride home. This would have been a great time to teach a lesson on patience but instead I chose the peaceful route and opened up the toys for my sanity and a hassle free ride home.
We were no more than ten minutes into our drive when my oldest son decides to try something fancy with his toy and breaks it! And that's when the crying and complaining began. I immediately put on my Mrs. Fix-it hat and began operating on the toy every chance that I got (at the stoplights). I wasn't surprised that the toy was broken because my son is a tad bit rough with everything! Neither of them are great stewards of their gifts but to be honest neither am I.
We finally made it home and I began to make dinner. While making dinner my son begins screaming at the top of his lungs, "MOMMY, I BROKE THE TOY AGAIN!" My reply was simple, "okay baby give me a few seconds. I'm almost done making dinner." I guess that my response wasn't good enough because moments later he was standing in the kitchen right behind me. I turned around and faced him. "Yes baby? How can I help you?" Now handing me his toy. "I need you to fix this for me please!" "Okay honey, I can do that. Just wait until I am done with dinner." He then walked away. Within two minutes he was back and he was determined to get his toy fixed. Calmly I asked him a question. "Didn't I say that I would be downstairs after I finished making dinner?" And that's when he gave me the, "But MOMMY, you are taking too long!"
I was at a loss for words and a tad bit confused because I knew that he was aware of my ability to fix the toy but he was complaining because it wasn't in "his timing". The Lord immediately spoke to me and revealed to me that at many times I can act like my toddler when God doesn't fix my life when I want Him to. There are many things that I may want God to fix or change for me and I want it all on my timing and not His.
As Christians we can get so impatient with God. We know that he is capable of doing exceedingly and abundantly above what we ask or think and yet we still have the nerve to fuss at Him. Like a parent to our children, the Lord is our Father and He chooses when to give and take things away. He knows what we can handle and what we possibly might break if given to us at the wrong time.
During our day to day faith walk with the Lord, we need to rely on the fact that He is in control and that His timing is the best timing. When we try to take matters into our own hands, things only get worse. So let's practice patience together and be thankful for what the Lord has already given us. Also, let's thank Him in advance for what He is about to do in our lives.
Dear Heavenly Father,
We just want to say thank you for who you are and all that you are doing in our lives. We apologize for the times where we were not good stewards of what was given to us. And for the moments when we act like your timing isn't good enough. We thank you for instilling in us patience and faith and for granting us peace and joy while we wait on you. Please have your way in our lives today.
Amen
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