While on our road trip in Missouri, I was able to capture this lovely photo of my kiddos in front of the Sight and Sound Theater. They appear so sweet to me, especially as they stand in front of the statue of the Lion and the Lamb.
But the pics posted on social media are the “nice” ones, which lead people to believe we have a “perfect” life. The reality is that my angels did not appear so sweet prior to this trip.
My husband was away the entire week for work, so I had the “joy” of dealing with an issue in each of their hearts. The basic gist of the scenario goes like this: I asked my children to do something. They obeyed grudgingly. I sat them down to address their response. I explained in detail why I asked them to do that specific task. Then, they expressed remorse for their behavior and asked for forgiveness, stating that if they just knew the thorough reason behind the instruction then their attitude would have been better.
And so began the more important discussion of how their relationship with their Daddy and I were a model of their relationship with God our Father. I explained how God instructs us to obey Him in different areas ie. which college to attend, what career to pursue, who to marry, where to live, who to minister to, etc. We can choose to obey as Noah willingly did when he built the ark in spite of the ridicule and lack of rain as found in Genesis chapters 6 and 7. We can also choose to have an angry attitude as Jonah did when the Lord wanted him to show compassion to the people of Nineveh, as found in Jonah chapter 4.
Whatever choice we make, we may not understand why God is asking us to build an ark or go to a foreign land. In other words, we may not always be privy to the details of God’s plans for our future. But if we want to walk toward the destiny He has set before us, our attitude should be one of love and willingness.
It’s not an easy task to happily obey when we don’t understand or may have to step out of our comfort zone or when we are uncertain of the outcome. I still remember how frightening it was for my husband and I to pack all of our belongings and move across the country with two babies, lacking immediate family or a support system in our new state. But I am so thankful we obeyed with excitement and faith because the blessings we have experienced in the past 11 years are more than I can possibly describe in words.
As David instructed his son Solomon, let us also remember to “… acknowledge the God of your father, and serve Him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts.” (1 Chronicles 28:9)
One of my favorite hymns says:
“Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus
Just to take Him at His word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
Just to know, “Thus saith the Lord.”
~Joyce
