Saturday morning blues

It was a rough Saturday morning for my son, Isaac.   We had been to Chick-fil-a for breakfast and were heading out for a few errands.  first on the list: Target.

Now, our children know the rule.  “No begging.”  They learn it as soon as the know how to ask.  Its simple.  Don’t whine the whole time we’re in a store requesting candy, toys, movies, wii games.  Just don’t do it.  You would be amazed how hard it is for a four year old to follow this Day family statute.

Isaac couldn’t do it.  As we walked the aisles, he began a low murmur, “please, mommy.  I need a toy.” As the situation escalated, I realized we were not going to be able to finish our shopping.  We left the store with Isaac sobbing, wailing, and in tears.  He was just sure that he needed something. anything.  but he didn’t.

I know because I am the mom.

I knew it was about to get worse for Isaac before it got better.  Michael and I were headed home, kids in tow, with a secret plan.  We had discussed a toy purge in the play room for Saturday morning once we had finished the errands.  Well, you can imagine Isaac’s response when he realized, not only did he not get what he was hoping for at Target, we were also going to get rid of some of our less-played-with toys and give them to a local charity.  He couldn’t handle it.  You would have thought I was the meanest mom in the world.  He didn’t know it was for his best.

But I was sure of it, because I’m the mom.

What Isaac didn’t know was that his dad and I had purchased a cool present for him to give him on Valentine’s day.  What Isaac didn’t realize was that we were just trying teach him how to make room in his life so that he could enjoy a blessing.  Hmmmm…. I need to think about this for a moment….

Sometimes in crisis, I look to my Heavenly Father and whine and cry because I just don’t understand. I don’t trust Him enough, that He has blessing, in His hands, ready to pour onto my life. But, I want my way.  I fail to see things from His perspective.  How often I refuse to let go of my own will and make room for His will, which is always  the best option.  I refuse even when He’s promised blessing…

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.”  Ephesians 1: 3-6

Of course, I suppose I should be the example, since I’m the mom…  Maybe in the future Isaac and I can avoid the Saturday morning blues together…

Heavenly Father, Help me to learn this lesson.  Remind me to let go of my way and my ideals so that You can work in my life.  Don’t let me miss the blessings that you have for me because of my own stubborn behavior.  Thank you for forgiving me and graciously tending to my heart.  Please don’t stop now!  amen.