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If you are on Facebook then you are familiar with "25 Random Things." If you don't know what I am talking about it is very simple: you spend valuable time within your day to think of the most random 25 things about yourself; then you post them for everyone to read.So one confession I made was that in college I would talk about how I wanted to be a rap star (and I meant it). Due to the huge response of shock and laughter I was asked to name my rapper self, to which I responded with the following rhyme:Biggie Brown Eyes in the house and I got somethin' to say,Lil' mama of 3 kids throwin' a rhyme your way.I was rollin' down the road in my big "Blue Bling"When I screeched to a stop cuz I heard someone scream."What's the problem?" I requested lookin' back at the commotion,It was just my 2 year old eating suntan lotion.(Pa-uh-ha-uh-ha-uh, Pa-uh-ha-uh-ha-uh, oh yeah, oh yeah)Consider yourself dumber for having read this post.
Yesterday was Tuesday (if like me you need a reminder). On Tuesdays Hailey is now going to a Dancing for Jesus class (see previous post). About two hours before it was time to leave she said, "Mommy, I am going to go ahead and get dressed and start practicing for dance class. I want to do really good this week." She went into her room and closed her door to prepare.As I was downstairs doing my chores I received a call that the class had been canceled (due to the massive snowstorm; actually it was a dusting). "Oh," I thought, this was going to be a downer. In the matter of moments she came dancing downstairs dressed in her leotard, tights, and black dance skirt, twirling two scarves and singing a praise song. Did I have to tell her? She was so happy. "Maybe I could hold dance class here," I thought. My heart sank.I sat down on the kitchen floor and asked her to come over to me. After telling her how beautifully she was dancing, I broke the news. Her little face turned from a gleaming smile to disappointed confusion. She didn't scream or cry, it was just...quiet reflection. I almost lost it. Then I started to think. I bet this is how God must feel sometimes. You know; the moments when life is moving with seeming perfection, we are dressed for the occasion, our dreams fulfilled seem to be right around the corner, and then a change of plans, a curve ball we weren't expecting. The dancing stops. Our hearts break. We wonder why.But in those moments we sometimes forget the character of God. He is all-knowing; He knows that even though you won't have dance class today you will next week. His timing is perfect and His motivation is love. He wants to bless you and me, as His children. He wants to give us good things. He does have to discipline, but it is only out of love. The key is looking at circumstances through the lens of His character, rather than defining His character through the lens of our circumstance.Thankfully kids are so resilient. In just a few minutes she had turned her attention and she wasn't even holding a grudge towards me for "spoiling" her plans. We could really learn some things from the heart and attitude of a child.
Do you ever feel like stuff if surrounding you? Just stuff...everywhere. From knickknacks to entertainment venues to containers holding more stuff. It's everywhere. And I keep buying more. Every time I go to Target I see something else that I need and that I have been looking everywhere for. We are dripping with stuff. But are we happier?Actually depression is on the rise, divorce is up, teen suicide has never been as rampant (in 2007 alone one report says that the rate of suicide for 10-24 year olds increased by 8%, see http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070907221530.htm). But if we as a society truly have "everything" then why are we so unhappy?The reason is so simple yet so easily forgotten amongst the stuff. We are trying to fill the gap with things of this world. We are setting our eyes on things and people that cannot truly satisfy the longings of our hearts. The truth is that nothing this world has to offer is stable. Stuff can be destroyed, lost, or stolen. People will disappoint, hurt, and forget. Only God can fill the void. Only eyes set on Him brings lasting peace, even amongst chaos. The reason? He is faithful and His character unwavering.Will I still buy stuff? Yes, probably even today. But I want my eyes set on things that are eternal: loving my God and loving those He has placed in my path. Then the stuff loses some of its luster.
