This past week we have been a little short staffed, as far as nannies go, as Gracie has been in the process of hiring some new employees. Because of this, we have been spending even more time with the kids to help fill the gaps. Of course the kids have rules, many of which they don’t like to follow;) Don’t climb on top of the furniture, don’t eat the crayons, no hitting/biting, no swimming in the pilla, watch where you are going, ect. As I have watched the kids break the rules, throw tantrums, and be disciplined, the Lord has been revealing to me something about His character as my father.
To an adult, the reasons for rules like these are obvious. They keep the children safe and help them to become effective members of society. But, from a child’s point of view, rules and discipline suck the fun out of life.
I have been realizing that I sometimes have the tendency to view God’s discipline from a child’s perspective. I don’t see the point in doing what He asks of me. I think that my way is better, more fun. I get defensive when He points out areas for improvement in my life, because I know best.
It has been an uncomfortable blessing to be stripped of the distractions of the American culture. It has forced me to examine my life and it has allowed ample space for the Lord to speak to me. I know I’ve been hearing him, although I don’t always like what I hear. I am like the kids, throwing tantrums because the Lord is trying to refine me. But, I am coming to realize that if I truly believe that the Lord is a good father, then His discipline must be for my benefit. It is because He loves me that He wants to see me live in the fullness that I was created for.
“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it”
Hebrews 12:11
