Tuesday, September 11, 2007

The Most Difficult Lesson to Learn

As the mother of a three year old, I find myself frustrated much of the time. I am frustrated the most by his lack of attention to things I ask him to do (or not to do). So many times I feel as if I might as well be talking to the wall. I can plainly give him instructions and there are days when he does just the opposite of what I ask him. It is not only frustrating; it is also hurtful, because I want only the best for my child. When he turns a deaf ear to me and takes his own course, his choices usually end up being to his detriment. It seems like such an easy lesson -- ‘Do what I tell you and you won’t get into trouble’.
I think how the Lord must feel the same way about me every day of my life. His word gives explicit instructions of what I should and should not do; however, there are so many times I pay no attention and do my own thing. God has a perfect plan for my life, but often times I forfeit His best because I refuse to listen to His Spirit’s leading (Ephesians 1:11). Every time I go out on my own and ignore the Holy Spirit, the end result is personal disaster. The disaster may not be apparent immediately, but rest assured, its effects will be felt in due time. I could name so many examples in my life, but there is not enough wood in the world to make the paper it would take to write them all down.
God, like any parent, also must feel grief that I don’t show enough consideration for Him or His Word to obey what He asks of me. He must get so tired of my whining and disobedience. It sure is a good thing that He said “Never will I leave you or forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5), because I definitely deserve to be left and forsaken.
The lesson God tries to teach me is the same lesson I have tried to teach my own child -- ‘Do what I tell you and you won’t get into trouble’. I am amazed that, just as with my own child, He still loves me no matter how defiant I am. However, just as with my own child, defiance results in punishment. Isn’t it funny that , no matter how old we get, this simple lesson is one of the most difficult to learn?

5 comments:

... said...

what a great way to look at our relationship with God. a child who wants to do things their own way. great post.

Short Stop said...

Oh, boy can I relate to this! I have a three year-old boy, too, and I feel the same way SO much of the day!

What a great analogy to our relationship with God. Oh, how it must grieve him to see us going our own way, only to know that pain and heartache will result! Praise God that He is so gracious, and that He is so merciful to our failings!

Anonymous said...

I had to respond to your comment on my blog today, although it's a bit off your current subject here...

I, too, have often had what I call "alzheimer's moments!" Another good reason to use the calendars! Evidently 36 is not too young... I think it's motherhood... too much multi-tasking leads to loss of braincells or something. Maybe they will grow back. :)

BethAnne said...

glad to hear I am not alone, Jennifer

Earen said...

I can definitely relate to what you are saying. I tell my 4 year old that I don't just tell him what to do because I love making his life miserable...it's because I love him & want to protect him. You're right..God desires that same obedience from us. It's a good reminder to me that the Lord shows me so much grace & even in the midst of instruction need to remember to show that more to my own children.