and you don't throw a fit!"
We say this to our kids when they want the purple cup, or the biggest cookie, or flavor of juice. We tell them to be thankful and content. These really are the very small things in life and we get frustrated when kids make a major deal out of them.
However, I've been pondering lately how we really act like children so much ourselves. How often do we take the things that God allows in our lives thankfulness and contentment? Do we really take what we get and not throw a fit?
How often does God, our Father, hear us throwing a fit?
I listen to adults, I listen to myself. I find we are often "throwing a fit" ourselves. Oh, it may not include tears and the flailing of arms and legs, but it is a fit nonetheless. We complain about so many things we can't control.
I know I find myself "throwing a fit" sometimes aloud, but more often in my mind and prayers. Complaining about what I did or didn't get and generally giving in to the poor me attitude.
Don't get me wrong, there is a place for justice, a place for righting a wrong, a place for standing up for yourself. I'm talking about the things we can't change. The things that just happen. The trials that are just a part of life.
I think the real lessons of life are often very simple. They are the ones we teach our children. They are also the ones that take a lifetime to learn. I'm working on this one along with my kids.
1 Thessalonians 5:18, "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."
So true! Thank you for sharing. I know I need to work on contentment everyday.
ReplyDeleteMichelle
As I commented in an older post, I found your site by searching for rhino cast pictures. I think God wanted me to find this post, though. He does work in the strangest ways. Why wouldn't he use the very thing I want to gripe about (another 4 months of hip restriction for my son) to find what He wants me to learn through it?
ReplyDelete3 months in the pavlik harness have gone by pretty quickly and 4 more in the rhino will likely fly by, too. I was just so ready to be done with the whole thing but that's not what happened. I am disappointed but I need to remind myself if could be worse. It could always be worse.
Thank you for your blog. For letting God use it.
Blessings to you and your family.