I want it my way

Hello! This past weekend, Brett worked the Priscilla Shirer Going Beyond simulcast, so we girls watched at home.

To be sure it felt like fall, we made French Onion soup for the lunch break, boiled peanuts for a snack, and I fixed the girls some hot chocolate with froth on top from the coffee maker. It’s the small things in life, really…

Raegan watched for a few minutes before nap time!

Deacon even enjoyed Priscilla for a while!

I am used to people kicking and screaming when they do not get their way, I mean, there are five little people around here. I like to think that people arguing over which princess bowl their soup is served in, is just from someone under nine years old…but I know better. I like to think the rolling all over the floor, wailing because they refuse to use the restroom is simply a child thing. I know the truth, though. I may not physically be stomping my feet, crossing my arms, or wailing like a fool, but I sure am thinking it on the inside when I do not get my way. I am not so far removed from my own children when I want what I want, when I want it, how I want it. Am I right? If we are honest with ourselves, I dare say most of us have not arrived to a place of immediate submission to God’s will.

Brett, who works for LifeWay occasionally has a personable conversation with someone who is kind and friendly, and sometimes even prays for his family. (Thank you if you have done that, it means so much!) This past week, a man said he did not know the details, just felt he should let him know that there is a reason for everything God does. Hmmm…if the man only knew… Of course there are lots of things I am currently wondering about in life, including why He has not changed certain circumstances or sent this or that.

I want to scream and stomp when I pray for something and don’t receive it or receive it in a way I didn’t ask for. I can think of many circumstances I would like changed and have prayed about, but am still waiting on, or were answered in ways I did not pray for. For one, we have asked to be able to leave this rental house after nearly four years, but here we still are, complete with silly toilet paper holders falling off the walls, tiny pantry, and the hall bathroom only one person can enter and leave at a time. There are certainly worse issues in the world and I want to acknowledge that, while mentioning some less serious, yet specific, requests I have.

I sure would do life differently if God would ask my opinion! Anybody relate? Let’s be honest here as we sit together and sip on a fall flavored beverage. I sure would enjoy a bath tub in my bathroom like we used to have. Culture shows images and blasts information constantly that is self-serving and shows us where we can get stuff our way, as fast as we can have it, and on demand. I can definitely give a list of wants and demands, as many of you can! Thanks for your honesty!

What does our loving Father have to say about this? How cool is that the man Brett talked to was aware of God’s voice and actually sharing His Message with a stranger! I am so glad he chose to share that with us!

No matter what struggle you face or what disappointments you have, God always hears us (1 John 5:14). He always knows best and sees what we cannot, so we can live without anxiety (Philippians 4:6-7). He knows us better than we know ourselves (Psalm 139:1-3).

Praise the Lord for not always giving me what I want, even when it was painful at the time. I often wonder why I can’t have what I want, exactly the way I want, when I see no harm that would be done id having it this way. The more I see God work, the more I know He is worthy of my confidence. I take comfort in that, He knows me and sees what is ahead, and trust Him. Even when I stomp my foot in frustration (literally or metaphorically).

Whatever it is you are frustrated about, remember His plans are always perfect and there is a reason for everything He does. It is okay to sit with frustration while acknowledging His Truth. Just remember to let the frustration go after a bit. I am so glad He can handle my adult temper tantrums and the sarcasm that comes out of my mouth. Eventually, I can get to the realization that He knows best and I can submit to His authority. Thank You, God!

Love,

Charis

But God, Who is rich in mercy, because of His great love that He had for us, made us alive with the Messiah…Ephesians 2:4-5