Mornings at our household may or may not resemble a circus getting kids ready for school. (Parents of more than two children – my hat goes off to you.) We prep the night before, but papers teleport, shoes shrink, or clothes disappear. Someone forgets to brush their teeth or hair – or both. Murphy’s Law requires all of these things and more to happen the mornings we’re most pressed for time.
It was one of those mornings.
My daughter, in kindergarten at the time, and I were wrestling with shoes so I instructed my first grade son to grab his backpack and wait in the car. One less person to herd out the door. My son says,
“Mom, can I wait for you in the car?”
Insert pause while I bite my lip. Hard.
“Yes, son. I just told you to do that. Didn’t you hear me?”
“Well, yeah.”
Frankly, I’d have been fine without this lovely teaching moment. Fully aware we might be late to school, I knelt down, channeled my outer calm (‘cuz the inner wasn’t so much), and looked my son in the eyes, “Son, if I tell you do something, you automatically have permission to do it. Do you understand?”
He mumbled something. What mother is not disheartened to discover what she’s tried to teach hasn’t penetrated? I repeated myself. Did he think I was saying this for my own health?
We arrived at school, harried, but on time. I kissed both kids goodbye and said a silent prayer for them. And one of gratitude. I hadn’t completely blown it.
As often happens, the connection didn’t click until later.
How often do my interactions with God look like that interaction with my son? How often does God make plain through the Bible what he expects, but my underwater ears are drowning in my own thoughts, fears, or worries?
I’m so incredibly grateful our Heavenly Father meets us where we’re at. With perfect patience – not my strained kind – he waits for our full attention so he can clarify, “When I command something, permission is inherent.”
Does this simple truth liberate you, too? When I’m paralyzed with fear, confused if I should stay the course, or distracted by rabbit trails, God graciously repeats himself. By cultivating healthy listening habits, I have less use for fear – God empowers those he commands. I don’t have to be confused – God speaks plainly. And I don’t have to be distracted – God hasn’t changed and neither have his instructions.
As Joshua prepared the Israelites to lay claim to the promised land, God reminds Joshua the plan was his idea, not Joshua’s – always a guaranteed success strategy. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
God’s relationship with us is such a great model for our relationship with our own children. Love your reminder of that.
Well said, Jodie. Thanks for stopping by.
Rebekah, grateful if there is encouragement here for a fellow mama just trying to raise world changers — if we don’t throttle ’em first! *sigh* Jesus, help us.
Another lovely message! I shared your post on Facebook for those who love inspirational/bible stories.
Diane! Sweet sister, thank you for the share.
Diane, I searched for you on FB – what name do you go by??
I only joined FB (after much kicking and screaming) to join a group for a marketing course I’m taking. So I coded myself private, and linked up to a few family members and friends. I just sent you a friend request. I do have a public writer’s page, Diane Holcomb, writer, but no one seems to notice. Ha!
Diane, I searched for you by your name but your public page didn’t come up until I added writer. Maybe people don’t know you’re on FB yet? I did receive and accept your friend request. 🙂
Pearl, I remember so many mornings like that with my kids when they were school age. Yikes, some mornings I wondered how we all got it together, especially because I’m NOT a morning person.
Truth be told, God has to repeat many things to me many times before it sinks in. I’m with you. I’m so glad He doesn’t mind repeating His instructions to us.
Michelle, glad I’m not alone! I’m definitely not a morning person either. Do you also require coffee before perky is ok? 😉 So thankful God is patient with us!
Yes! I need coffee and a couple of hours before I’m best with people! 🙂