A Lesson My Children Taught Me

Well, July 1st made it a year since I was laid off, a year I've been a stay-at-home mom. I've discovered new recipes, fun ways to pass time (on the whim), cheap art ideas, etc. In my daily interactions with my children, I've also learned how God must feel when it comes to us, His children.

For instance, four days ago, Iniabasi came into our room and asked, "Mommy, where is my bag?"

Me: "Which bag? The one on your bed?"

Iniabasi: "Yes"

Me: "Sorry, I threw it away, Buds. It's dangerous to have a plastic bag on your bed when you sleep. I didn't want any of you to get hurt."

He proceeded to whine and complain, saying, "Mommy, I need it. That's not fair."

After I tried to convince him how important it was for him to trust me, I gave him a hug, and he walked away. His head was down and I faintly heard him mutter, "I never get anything". 

This encounter led me to realize how much like him I often am. I ask God for things, and if I don't get them, I sulk and feel destitute, wondering if He really cares. I forget about the many times He's answered my prayers, performed miracles, provided for me/us, etc. So many times, I worry, complain, compare myself or situation to others, wallow in self pity, but the underlying truth is that no matter how bleak the circumstance may have seemed, all has been well. Many of the things I've thought I wanted, I've found would have led to misery, a life of unhappiness, or would have changed my life in ways that I would never want to imagine now. 

In essence, I'm learning that despite how I feel in any current situation, I embrace the "no"s, unanswered requests, struggles, and days of 'hopelessness', believing that God has the best future and intentions for me.