Last week, I was so excited
to get an afternoon to myself to spend in the woods. I love to be out in the woods to walk,
explore, think, and relax. I drove to
the farm I grew up on ready to make the half mile walk to the woods, but upon
arrival, I found my dad struggling to untangle some rope. At 82 years old, my dad's hands don't work
very well any longer, and he needed the rope to plant a straight line in his
garden. I spent time helping him in the
garden, but I was really thinking about the woods. He got the first seeds in the ground, and he
was so excited. He even pumped his fist
and said, "There'll be red beets soon!" The rain drops had just started falling as he
was planting. Then, the sky grew darker
and darker. My dad and I talked in the garage
and watched the rain fall. The dark sky
turned grey due to the torrential downpour that ensued. Hail, wind, and tons of rain all came very
quickly. I thought to myself, "I
hope those red beets know how to swim," but I couldn't say that to my dad
(see picture #1). I was very frustrated
to realize that I wouldn't get to make my trip to the woods, but I was suddenly
thankful I didn't get caught out in that storm.
Powerful reminder - I can
only control so much in life, but I can't control everything. God's in control of everything, not me. In the flow of life, that sometimes
frustrates me, but ultimately, I am so thankful that God is in control. His knowledge, power, presence, love, grace,
and forgiveness is beyond my own, and that is a very good thing. (NOTE:
A few hours later, I got another powerful reminder of God's control in
my life - see picture #2 of double full rainbow)
As parents, things happen
that are powerful reminders that we aren't always in control of our children's
decisions. They make mistakes. They disappoint us. Our job is to respond with powerful reminders
of our love, grace, and forgiveness just as God does. Yes, we provide consequences when
appropriate, but we also respond in love.
That is a powerful reminder to our children that they are loved.
Family Discussion Points!
Talk about who is in control
of things in your home (toys, yard work, cooking, etc.)
Talk about whether control is
a good thing or a bad thing. How and
why?
Is God's ultimate control
comforting or not as you live?
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