Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Longings

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to shop for a child? Give a gift to a toddler and chances are good that they will be more interested in the box than the pricey toy. When that happens you may redirect the child's attention to the toy. This may require persistence on your part, and even removal of the box but eventually the child is focused on the toy. It becomes one of their favorite toys for a while, then they lose interest in it all together. That toy gets pushed aside while they make way for new toys that peak their interest for a little while until they become bored with those as well. Before you know it the child has a room full of toys that they never play with. Does that sound familiar to you?

In the eyes of that little toddler, the box brought more interest and joy than the pricey toy. The box is the thing that invites the imagination of the child to soar. In a sense, redirecting their focus to the toy is like teaching them to focus on material value rather than on the simple joy. Between a parent's, grandparent's, or other family members' desire to bring happiness to a child, and a retailers desire to sell more stuff, it is easy for a child to have too much.

He who is full loathes honey, but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet. Proverbs 27:7

We have all had to shop for someone who seems to already have everything they need or want, except for things that are not in our allotted budget for their gift. While the  gift may be appreciated, it most likely won't bring that sense of enjoyment that the we would like it to. The same can be true of our children if they have all the latest and greatest toys and gadgets on the market we may be depriving them of the delight that comes with receiving something that has been longed for.

That is the way God works in our lives. He doesn't hand us everything we want but when it is His plan to give it, He often has us wait and allows us to long for it so that when He does give us that gift, our joy will be much greater than when we first asked for it. Whatever the longing is, whether necessity, ministry, companionship, or enjoyment, His perfect timing will bring the most joy to His child.


My soul, wait silently for God alone,For my expectation is from Him. Psalm 62:5

If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him! Matthew 7:11




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15 comments:

Karen Hossink said...

"His perfect timing"
Ah, yes! It always is!

Sharon Sloan said...

He is indeed our portion - for everything.

Lovely Post, Edie.

Sometimes I wonder what our Heavenly Father has planned for my today and my tomorrow. He rejoices over us with singing. His blessings are sweet. And I think He enjoys surprises us with serendipitous blessings....just like we like to do with our children.

RCUBEs said...

The world's behavior teaches about "I want!" "I want!"...And I believe that it is the reason why we have this downfall in our economy. People are buying things beyond their means...because they think they need those things and that they will give them happiness.

Christ is truly the antithesis of this society. If we know Him, we won't desire for these worldly things that do not have eternal values anyway.

I'm glad that the Savior found me and made me contented because He is our "All-in-All"...Blessings to you sister. I know you're busy and I pray for the Lord to sustain you with His strength, wisdom, protection and more...spiritual blessings! Great post!

Jody said...

Read your post and just stopping by to say hi. God indeed is my portion and I long for Him.

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

Well put my friend! Everything in His timing. Back in the day we would have our children gather gently used toys to give to needy children before we even discussed the Christmas list. This kept down clutter, gave my children a sense of giving and helped others in need. It was a good plan even if I do say so myself! Heeeheehe!

I enjoyed the read. God bless and have yourself the best day!!!

Mom said...

As I read this I heard my youngest still playing in the box downstairs. I had put it by the attic door to be stored upstairs - but he got it first and I was tired of retrieving it. Last night I saw that two sides were ripped; yet today he's still playing with it - but now I don't feel quilty about saving it away for storage. :)

This wasn't the message you meant with your blog - but it helped me today! lol

Thanks for stopping by my blog.

Anonymous said...

That first verse got me- and got me good. Thanks Edie!

Warren Baldwin said...

Very good. I've heard the time between what God has promised (or what we need) and when we finally receive it referred to as gapping. In the 'gap' we learn patience and develop character. wb

Kelly said...

This post hits home, as someone who longed for children before having them. 2 yrs with my oldest, and nearly 5 with my youngest. It does make you savor the "gift" much more, when you have to wait.

The Patterson 5 said...

Edie, this was such a touching post for me this week! We studied John chapter 11 and Jesus waited before coming to Mary Martha and Lazerus home. They had to wait. But in the waiting God's glory was shown all the greater as Jesus brought Lazerus back from the dead! Mary, Martha and many others faith grew and others came to believe! A question for me to contemplate. Am I giving glory to God as I wait? Is my faith strong enough to allow His power over my circumstances to be shown?

I also loved the visual image the first part brought of the first and second Christmas present and birthday present openings with my children! The box was always best! J was 9 months old when we bought our first house and we could sit him in a empty copy paper box and give him a pot and a spoon and he'd be loudly entertained allowing us to pack!

Sue J. said...

You can definitely have too much of a good thing. I discovered that in loading up my schedule with "good things." When God offered up His goodness--His honey...His rest, really!--I was so full up to accept that, and to know that rest was what I needed, not more "good" things.

My ADHD Me said...

A hard lesson to learn...but so true!

KrippledWarrior said...

Plus, just giving a child gifts, deprives them of the pleasure of working for it and owning it out right. But that has nada to do with salvation.

Reaching Flood Stage said...

Our Father KNOWS how to give good gifts and His timing is perfect. Amen sister!

Chel's Leaving a Legacy said...

Edie, this was a very timely post, indeed. I'm glad I missed it when it posted and read it today. You are such a blessing to me.