The other day, the kids felt motivated by some bribe I offered and decided to help each other clean their rooms.
They started in Abby’s room. Jacob told Abby that he’d take care of the bath towel that she left balled up on her floor. He was en route to the laundry room when Abby shouted, “Just put it in my bathroom, Jacob.”
Earnestly confused, Jacob replied, “Which bathroom is that?”
“The one right there – right outside the bedroom,” Abby answered in a tone that suggested “duh” at the end.
“Oh. You mean OUR bathroom?” Jacob questioned.
“Yeh,” Abby said.
That short little conversation between a 5- and 6-year-old was enough to get me to reflect on how God must feel when we all-too-often take credit for things that aren’t unequivocally ours. Or how many times He cringes at our words when He hears us being possessive and lacking humility.
I’m guilty.
I can vividly remember thinking, “I made them!” every time I’d look at both Abby and Jacob. It’s genuinely a mystifying experience – impressive in its own right – that two people can come together and create a…human.
However, that thought – any plenty others along the way – were not spiritually mature.
Today, however, I humble myself with the wisdom that, just like I was merely a vessel that God used to fulfill His greater purpose with creating Abby and Jacob, God made me for a purpose. A purpose that extends far beyond my comforts or selfish desires.
Amazingly, such a short, lighthearted exchange between two elementary-aged kids opened my eyes to how I imagine God feels.
“Through Him all things were made” (John 1:3).
This week, I challenge you to give thanks to God. Not just for parts that are adorned with cherries – for that is easy. Give thanks to God for even those seemingly downright terrible, soul-crippling parts, too. There is a purpose for ALL of it. Trust me, I know how incomprehensible that seems at the present moment.
No matter the season, know that God is with you.
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him” (Jeremiah 17:7).
