Going to the playground was the hardest thing I did today.
No, taking my innocent 15-month-old son in his adorable short overalls wasn't hard. It was walking away from the eyes of my three-year-old standing in the doorway. She desperately wanted to come. The last few bites of chicken and noodles sat mockingly a few feet away, reminding her of her choice to not finish eating her supper. In the end, it was a very painful lesson for her. Of course, being three, the pain will diminish over time. The playground will still be there tomorrow. Joy comes in the morning. But I hope the lesson remains. The lesson about choices, and their consequences.
But for me, the mom, the grief is felt on my side, too. Holding my sobbing girl as we sat on the floor together, mourning the consequences of her choice. If it had been ME making the choice, I would have chosen the path that led away from pain.
But God gives us the power to make our own choices. He takes His sovereign hand and holds it back while wanting what is best for us. Sometimes we choose not to eat our supper. But when we do make that choice, His heart is grieved beyond comprehension. And He is waiting, longing for us to run to Him for forgiveness and healing. "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you." Joy comes in the morning.
You know that saying that goes, "This hurts me more than it hurts you"? Well, that goes for God, too. Our sin grieves Him more than it grieves us. We didn't understand as kids what we know now as parents. Let's strive together not to grieve our Heavenly Father, who loves us beyond our comprehension.
Never before have i seen so much pain from choices. It is as if our culture has led everyone into a lul that does not let them realize consequences in advance of actions. Thank you for your insights.
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