As I crouched outside of Beckham's door with my forehead pasted on the floor, praying that he would stop crying and simply lay down and go back to sleep, I got to thinking about what similar desires God has for me.
Many categories of struggle in parenting revolve around the idea that we as parents know that our little boy needs to do X, Y, or Z, but he simply does not want to. In our perspective we know that if he is completely exhausted it would be far better for him to simply sleep, regardless of what else he wishes he could be doing. If he has not eaten, we know if would be far better for him now and in the long run if he would simply eat, regardless of what else he would rather do in that moment. These are very basic needs in life, quite obvious to a parent who wants their child to thrive and grow into all they can be.
And so I can't help but wonder - what are basic things God would have me listen to Him about, things He would have me do or not do on a daily basis, actions or disciplines or even just small gestures that, if I would only listen to Him and trust that it is good for me, despite what I might rather do or not do in that moment, and would make a truly transformative impact - on my life, Beckham's life, Anthony's life, and any one else's life who is connected to mine?
I need to do a little analogy calculation, something like this:
Beckham's refusal to eat is to my desire for him to eat and grow healthy and strong as is my refusal to listen to God in ______ way is to God's desire for me to do ______ and grow healthy and strong and more of whom He has created me to be...
I've never been good at analogies... good thing this is not a standardized test but rather a grace-filled journey of sanctification. God... asking for the grace to let me hear You... and in hearing, act as You lead.
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