Christian Living

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I have said it before and I will continue to say it - my children have taught me more than I will ever teach them. God uses them in that way. He uses the children to illustrate those teachings that should be most plain but are often so overlooked. It is a humbling experience to come face to face with a truth of the Spirit reflected in the eyes of a child. I am grateful for those moments and hope that when my children are grown that this method of teaching will continue through my grandchildren and other children that I am blessed to be around.

The most recent lesson involved blessings. My oldest daughter, Madison, turned seven in March. Her whole goal was to pull off the Strawberry Shortcake party to end all Strawberry Shortcake parties. She succeeded. It was complete with balloons, presents and cake. The streamers hung from the ceiling and the centerpiece was in place. The was a large poster hanging on the front door to announce that this was indeed the House of Strawberries should a guest have any doubt. The children were very happy and Madison practically glowed.

Madison has a baby sister. And, like any observant two year old, she too noticed there was a party going on and it was all about Madison. Not to be left out, Savannah, wanted to know where her party was. I explained to her that it was not time for her party yet, but she would have one soon, I promise. She looked confused for a moment considering what this could mean. Then my oldest called to her to come join in the fun. The look of confusion vanished. She bolted away as fast as her chubby legs could carry her. There were no more questions about her own party – not when there was already a party to be had.

The afternoon was full of laughter and excitement. I watched with a quiet satisfaction as my girls made yet another memory as sisters and as friends.

I did make good on my promise. Savannah did have her own party about three months later. She had decided on Dora the Explorer and could not have been more excited. We went shopping one weekend to get the decorations and order the cake. She was fixated on that cake.

“Can I have my cake now?” she asked me. I explained to her that it was not time for the cake yet. We had to wait for the party. Well, the morning of her party came and she was very excited when I woke her up.

“My party, my party. I will have cake and balloons presents.”

“You sure will pumpkin.” Her smile was huge and I was once again reminded how awesome it is to be a Momma. “But right now it is time for breakfast. What would you like?”

“Dora cake,” she said with a huge grin. I could not help but smile. It was the day of her party, and I had promised she could have cake. But, that promise was for the party and she could not have cake for breakfast. Although disappointed, she graciously allowed me to talk her into a bowl of Lucky Charms.

When the party finally came, it was a huge success. Everyone had a wonderful time. The cake came out, we sang Happy Birthday and I had a very happy three-year old.

Sometime later, God tapped me on the shoulder. He wanted to have a moment with me where He taught me a few things. And, like He does so often, He used my children.

He brought to my remembrance the way Madison was so eager to include her sister in the activities of her party. Madison had been blessed that day. She could have horded the moment and kept it all to herself. But, she went in a better way and became a blessing when she offered that to someone else. Jesus offered the Samaritan woman living water. It was His water and He had full right to keep it all. But, He offered it up as a gift. A whole town was blessed. The water was a blessing for many instead of a secret for One.

I cherish the look of joy in Savannah’s face on the day of Madison’s party. She had seen the party that was for her sister. It was pleasant to her and she wanted that for herself. But, she understood, as best she could, that it was not her time. However, with the simplicity of a child, she knew enough to realize she could still rejoiced in her sister’s party. Some things we ask for, He has meant for other people. Like the apostles left behind while Jesus took Peter, James and John up on the mountain, we must decide whether we are going to begrudge them that or rejoice in their blessing.

Few things bring a smile to my face faster than the morning of Savannah’s party and the expectation of “Dora cake” for breakfast. The promise was filled in the best way I knew how. And if I as an imperfect parent can keep a promise while looking out for my child’s best interest, then God can do abundantly more. When God makes a promise, it will be kept, not on our time schedule but His. We are called, at times, to wait patiently and faithfully and trust in His word. Jarius experienced this while waiting for Jesus to heal his daughter. The woman with the issue of blood interrupted their trip, yet the promise still came to pass.

There are times that God tells us no. His way is perfect and it is our place as Christians to walk in that way of faith. Jesus provided the perfect example when He asked “if this cup could pass from me, but not my will but yours.”

We do not always ask the right questions or request the right blessings. But God always has the right answer. That answer can be yes, no or wait. He has taught me is His own Fatherly way that this is another expression of how much He loves me enough to always take care of me, even when I don’t know how to take care of myself.

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