Kicking and Screaming

My little guy has a switch. Unpredictable. Instant. Intense. One minute he's as happy as a spring bird taking a bath on sunny day and, without warning, a thunderstorm suddenly breaks loose blowing the little bird into a spiraling abyss of tears. There is NO warning; no time to brace ourselves. Usually his switch is flipped as a result of pain, disappointment, or, many times, some reason we cannot figure out for the life of us.


The communication barrier between a parent and a toddler can be very frustrating. With all three of our children we have experienced a time when they want something; let's say a cookie for example. But the sweet child was just outside with his hands in the dirt, in the dog's mouth, and handling those icky creatures known as bugs. So in order to appease our adult reasoning and loving protection for our child's well-being, we require them to wash their hands first before giving them a cookie. That's reasonable, right? Not to a toddler! Wait is not in a toddler's vocabulary. In fact, the word wait translates to a toddler that the world is ending in three seconds and it is time to kick and scream for their lives. So of course, that's exactly what they do. All the while, we pitiful parents attempt to reason with the unreasonable and explain that they will get a cookie as soon as they wash their hands.  The child, however, has no way of receiving this important information now being blocked by a tantrum and their refusal to listen to their parent.


Have you ever not wanted to hear God's voice? I have! Why do we do that? We know that God has a prosperous and hopeful plan for us. We know that He loves us. We know He cares about us. BUT we end up kicking, screaming, resisting and refusing to listen to Him. Just like I wanted to give my child a cookie but knew it was best to first wash the germs off my baby's sweet hands; God wants to give us good things yet, in His wisdom, He knows the necessary preparations that must first take place for us to receive His best.

Matthew 7:11 So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask Him.
Hebrews 3:15 As has just been said: "Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion."

Posted in: Daily Living,Encouragement,Rebecca