Trusting your parents and trusting God.

jdaniels · #1 12-13-2006

Last night I took the wife and kids out for a surprise special family time that involved Santa, a meal in the mall food court, and a trip to a Christmas Wonderland Light festival. Before we left, I gave each kid instructions on what to wear, (Jeans and tennis shoes) knowing that the last part of the evening would involve a lot of walking.
My daughter chose instead to wear a skirt and pretty christmas sweater and her church shoes. I told Ashley that I really wanted her to wear what I suggested, but couldnt resist, when she told me "But Dad, I really want to look pretty tonight". She's 7 years old, by the way. Ok
Because I knew what the evening had in store for my kids and the blessing they would receive, I had to let my daughter accept the consequences of her choice, and told her that I would not listen to her complaints.
Once the evening commenced and we arrived at the Christmas Lights, Ashley understood the reason of my instructions. And I did hear a small complaint about her uncomfortable clothes. She still received the blessing of the Fun evening, but didnt have near the fun she could have running and playing amonst the lights and decorations as the other kids. Had she listened to me and wore what I wanted her to, she would have received the full blessing I intended for her.

Arent we like that when God gives us a direction to follow? We miss out on the full blessing He has when we go our own way. We still enjoy a blessing but not near what God intended for us. I am fully convinced that one day God will show us the rewards we could have had, but didnt receive on account of our own will elevated and His decreased.

JD

**sharky67** · #2 12-13-2006

Good little life lesson for Ashley to learn. You're a good dad JD. I hope your daughter learned a valuable lesson about blessings. God's Peace!

sonothunder · #3 12-13-2006

Very cool, first-person example, bro. Thank you!

FlatLander · #4 12-18-2006

These things are why I feel so blessed being a Father.
We get a perspective that God has, especially while kids are young.
We see the transition in two to five year olds.
You can see the defiance in their eyes and you know the "bad" behavior is comiing. It's funny at first but you use it to teach lessons.
But as they get older 5-10 years, the behavior becomes less acceptable and they have to start to "do as they are told" or the consequences become more serious. The hurt/disappointment for deliberate disobediance becomes more and more.
I think God the Father expects more and more from us as we grow in our faith and experiences the same disappointment when we fail. I also think he delights when we are sorry and come back to him. (prodigal son)

Rob