My youngest son is struggling with being the youngest. He wants to be “all grown up” like the rest of us, including his 15 year old sister. Some days It seems that she has a longer way to go than he does. Just kidding Peyton. (not really, but don’t tell her I said that.) Peyton isn’t immature, she’s just naive in certain areas. And that’s a good thing.
Anyway, Parker can’t understand “why he can’t see certain movies just because of a dumb number that has been forced on him to determine his age.” As much as I try and explain that parents say “no” sometimes not because we don’t care or want to give our children good things, but because the thing might not be good for the child–at least not yet anyway. Because Parker can’t see the truth of that statement right now, he struggles with his desire to have what he can’t.
As I was reflecting on this, I realized that I can act the same way when I pray. If God doesn’t give me what I want, I never stop to consider why. I just get discontent. I feel like He’s not listening or He doesn’t care what I want. When in fact, one of the most caring things God can do is say “no” when I ask for something that isn’t good for me.
So the next time I feel as if God isn’t listening or isn’t on my side, I’m going to think other wise. He has heard me. He may simply be looking out for my best just as I’m looking out for Parker’s. Truthfully, I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Laura says
We are having the same problem in our house, Micca. My littlest said just last night (when his big brother got to stay up to watch part of the championship football game with dad),”It’s not fair.” Being a little sister myself, those three words always melt my heart! But I think it is good for him to recognize that certain things come in the fullness of time. And only time will bring them to him! It’s a lesson I am still trying to learn. I just love how God applies His Word to our lives! Your little one is internalizing a valuable life lesson, and you are a wise woman.
Laura B.
Rachel says
I get so much encouragement from knowing that the things that are going on in our home are going on in other people’s too!
My son has always wanted to be a “big boy” and he really struggles with that frustration. He is 10.Tonight he is starting Scouts where he will be with lots of bigger boys so I’m really praying he will find fulfillment in that. Thank God we can pray for our children. I could not be a parent without Him!!
Rachel.
Aislynn says
This entry changed my heart this morning, I have been struggling with the Lord moving me back to a town I don’t want to be in. You helped me to realize that this is for my good, and that He is listening to my prayers and just answering, “no!”
Thank you for this.
Angela @ Refresh My Soul Blog says
Amen girl. That was so well put. I am going to remember that too from now on. I do not think I have ever heard that in a better way. Thanks for your wisdom!
Much love,
Angela
MelissaTaylor.org says
Hey Micca:)
I love your blog today. Because I am the queen of pleading with God!!!! But, looking back, there are so many times that I later THANKED Him for saying “no”. At the time I just thought I knew better.
It’s so hard applying the same rules with the youngest as I did with the oldest. Hayley Grace has seen all the pirate movies…I would have never let the boys see those movies at her age. Come to think of it, she has a later bedtime than they did at her age too. Maybe I need to enforce a few more rules around here! Being the youngest of 4 and the only girl, she does get away with more. Sometimes it’s not even because I’m thinking about her age but because I’m just tired. Not good I know.
Thanks for sharing. You are a great mom. Parker will thank you one day!
Love you,
Melissa
December Rose says
My son would want to do what some of his friends were doing, and of course if my response was “No,” he would tell me I wasn’t listening to him. I would repeat his request (verifying that I did hear him) and again tell him, “No.” He would, again, insist I was not listening to him because he was not getting the response he wanted. No guilt trip for me… I knew I had his best interest at heart.
Being a mom gives fresh insight to God’s perspective on raising a child… especially when that child is me! My heavenly Father hears my requests; and He has my best interest at heart, even when the answer is “No”.