Today is a Good Day

Since I haven't blogged for about forever, it almost seems unfair to just jump in without some bringing up to speed. But, the reason I haven't blogged is a lack of time devoted to blogging. So, I guess I will just jump in.

So many times we walk through our day looking to solve the problem(s) of that day without appreciating the moment. I don't think God slaps His forehead saying, "Oh no... how are they going to get out of this one?" No, I think He is watching us like I watch my little boys. I have three pre-school boys. Kaleb is five. Josh is 3. Conlan is 2. My wife and I have a bed that has a footboard. There is a gap between the mattress and the footboard that the boys sometimes slide into. There is no danger since they only slide in the gap up to their hips... but they do get stuck. Each of them has learned to struggle out of that situation. But not without much to do.

Conlan, the mighty, has been the last to learn the art of footboard unstuckness. When he first got stuck he immediately struggled but they began to cry for mommy. Forget the fact I was right there... mommy is the fixer of all things. I obliged him by letting him there for a moment. But mommy came to the rescue before I could enhance his footboard unstuckness talent.

The next time was different. He got stuck, struggled, cried for mommy but I encouraged him to get unstuck. (Don't get mad at me yet.) He cried for a moment, but after some encouragement, began to pull on the bedspread and wiggle himself free. Oh what joy Conlan, the mighty found in the victory over the footboard. Mommy freeing him was good, but him getting free himself, now that was real victory.

I watched my little two year old grow in that moment. It was a moment I will not soon forget.

Do you think God enjoys those moments that we struggle? At first glance it almost seems cruel. Yet when we get victory over something that was holding us back, we grow. I think that makes any father happy.

Is it possible that God allows those struggles... even wants those things in our lives to help us to grow? I think maybe, yes... He does.

What are you in right now? Are you just crying for mommy? Maybe instead of God rescuing you from that moment, ask God for the strength, the wisdom to conquer that moment. If you do... you will grow... just like Conlan, the mighty.