I ask my child to come spend time with me… perhaps I am running some errands and want their company and want to include my child. My child looks up at me and says ‘Will it be fun? Will I get a treat?’, basically saying ‘What’s in it for me?’. I reply ‘No treats, it will be fun if you decide it will be fun… it is about being with me.’ My child looks disappointed and says ‘No thanks.’ and my heart breaks in great disappointment. Later I take my child out for a special afternoon dedicated to my child alone and this child expects even more to the point of declaring the day ‘not very fun at all’ Again my heart breaks.
Would I, could I, be as patient with this child as my heavenly Father has been with me? Would I look at my child and understand he or she is just a short sighted child or would I become angry and give up on trying to spend time bonding with my child…
Has God felt that same sorrow, caused by my selfishness and treat seeking view of our relationship? Do I act like that, seeking what I want from Jesus, treats, rewards; instead of seeking MY FATHER?
A conversation I heard between my husband and my boy just the other day reminded me of times I have faced this type of exchange with my eldest daughter. When my man ended the conversation with a statement similar to the one below I was blessed with understanding about my Jesus and me.
‘If you come with me, while I do my work, we will find fun together and in one another. Our relationship will grow buddy! And I will have time to love you directly and you me. If you don’t come because you see no self serving benefit YOU are the one who will loose out.’
Can I sacrifice my ‘me me list’, my desire for treats in my walk with Christ, my desire to be rewarded for every bit of good I managed to do (which by the way is only possible through Christ and not me alone). Can I give this all up and just LOVE MY GOD?
TTFN
i’m thankful God doesn’t give up on us, and i’m also glad that He is so fun to be around. i really do delight in my Daddy, and i look forward to hanging out with Him each and every moment of the day. i like that He cares about what i care about, and that He won’t put His agenda ahead of mine. He’s so funny, always making me laugh. and He showers me with good and perfect gifts. He give me freedom to choose my destiny, and He defines patience and true love. and He delights in me!! i find it hard to wrap my brain around it sometimes. it just blows my mind how wonderful He is. i love Him so much!!
being a mom, i totally get where you’re coming from. it really is about co-laboring with Him. i love how we can learn about Him in our relationships with our kids. and i also love that we can take His perfect example of what good father is, and make that our goal as parents. i enjoy these lessons we find in the every day life. they are like real-life parables.
thank you for sharing your enlightening experience. bless you, becky!! <3