Wednesday, August 18, 2010

What About Him? What About Her?

"Mommmmeeee! I don't want to tidy up sooo much stuff! It's not fair that she doesn't have to do as much as me."
Training my children to be content with their position in the family, what is required of them, and not worrying about what is required of someone else is a difficult task. My own whining to the Lord was revealed to me this morning as I read about Peter. Jesus had just shared with this disciple that he would be martyred for his Master. I can't imagine what would have gone through his head at this revelation. The first thing Peter did was to inquire that if he were to die, then what would happen to John? A valid question, I thought.
But Jesus responded by saying, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me." (John 21:22)
This triggered another incidence in my mind of the prodigal son's brother. Upon seeing a party in progress for his wayward sibling, he whined to his father that he had always worked diligently for him, without squandering his money, so why did this prodigal receive such a feast? (Luke 15:28-30) I was immediately convicted of the times I had cried out to God, "Take this cup from me!" and, "Why has so-and-so not received such overwhelming trials? *I* was your faithful servant!"
I was struck this morning; how unalike am I than my children who complain to me? Unless I learn to focus on my place in this world, my calling, what is required of me, that my walk is different than someone else's path, I cannot train them effectively. What a long, arduous path I can sometimes make it when God desires to lead me (and them) along the one that is beside still waters.
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men..." (Colossians 3:23)
"...I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." (Philippians 4:11b)

holy experience

8 comments:

Camille said...

Wonderful post Heather ~ I *love* hearing your heart when you speak of the Saviour and HIS ways with us! Thank you for sharing these things here today...yes, we are to realise all comes from the LORD for our good, and HIS glory! Romans 8:28

With love,
Camille

Wanting What I Have said...

Oh Heather, thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Those words from John popped off the screen at me. Thank you.

Kim Hyland said...

"what is that to you?" Great verses and admonition. It reminded me of my this quote: "There is no stay so strong as an unreserved abandonment of self into God's hand." ~H.L. Sidney Lear
Thank you for the challenge!

Anna said...

Gotta love that text from Philippians 4:11, even when it's so hard to do.
A great reminder.
(different kinds of happy)!!
Anna

Molly said...

Too funy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Come on mommy writ another post!
I cant wate to see it.
I love your post.
Good job mommy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just love it.
mommybillomy.
Love your ideas mommy!
And i love your blog to!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just love it to much you know your blog.
love ya!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Meghan said...

Oh Molly!
YOU are just soo funny. I love you :)

I was listening to you start reading your Bible in Genisus for the first time!

Keep it up.
P.s. I LOVE YOUR POSTS! WRITE MORE!

Meghan said...

Colossions 3:23. One of my favorite verses so far...

What a wonderful post.
Yes, I personally have trouble with complaining!

Reading Proverbs always helps me. I read this this morning: "Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam;
so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out."

Craig and Bethany said...

Oh, to take what is offered.

This winter when Lulie had surgery I was terrified. Petrified. At first. And then one day I realized it wasn't that we were being forced to have surgery because her eye was bad. We were being offered a journey, a road, a way, as if the Lord were saying, "Hey, come here. Watch THIS." Everything changed. Every turn became an offering to become new.

Great post.