February 26
“I have loved you,” says the Lord. But you say, ‘How hast thou loved us?’ Malachi 1:2
Any of us who been responsible for children know that awful feeling when one of them is indicating that they are feeling unloved, being treated unfairly, or demonstrating in some way that they, or what they are doing, is not important to us at that moment. When you have given from your heart all that you can, and feel it has not been enough for them, it can be frustrating and often heartbreaking; as adults, its time to question our own actions. Have we been present to this child enough or have material things been the priority? Through our own mistaken efforts, we have spoiled that child with things that do not matter to keep them busy while we maintain our own agenda? Have our lives been filled with too much organized activity and not enough “down time?” Is there something else going on with this child that requires further analysis? Or is it just an episode of simple childlike behavior - a ploy to get one’s way in a certain situation. With a step back we frequently see that what he or she needs at that moment is only some reassurance from us that they are truly loved and valued; and that requires time – a special moment just for that child.
We too can act like spoiled children. Things do not go our way and almost immediately we feel unimportant, forgotten by God; cast aside for someone or something else more valuable than we are! It is during those times of duress that we are most likely to question God’s presence and love. We close our eyes to the many ways each day that He demonstrates His love for us. How saddened and frustrated by humanity our Heavenly Father must feel when we take all that He has gifted us with for granted! Just as we do, I wonder if God thinks also, about just how much more He can do to prove His love to us!
In Scripture we are told repeatedly of that love God has for us. He gave His life for us! When we question that love it is time to stop and reflect on all the good in our lives that He has brought our way to this point. Making it a daily practice to find the good in each day enables us to more readily turn in gratitude to God in times of trouble. When we become more aware and appreciative of His unending love for us, and His presence with us, the hope that tomorrow will be better in some way becomes as much a part of us as breathing. We are reassured over and over that we are loved! And as His children we can go forward in faith, totally entrusting our hearts to Him.
Heavenly Father forgive us when we become like spoiled children when things are not going our way! Thank you for the constant love and reassurance you give to us.
Copyright© 2014 Kathleen A. Matson
“I have loved you,” says the Lord. But you say, ‘How hast thou loved us?’ Malachi 1:2
Any of us who been responsible for children know that awful feeling when one of them is indicating that they are feeling unloved, being treated unfairly, or demonstrating in some way that they, or what they are doing, is not important to us at that moment. When you have given from your heart all that you can, and feel it has not been enough for them, it can be frustrating and often heartbreaking; as adults, its time to question our own actions. Have we been present to this child enough or have material things been the priority? Through our own mistaken efforts, we have spoiled that child with things that do not matter to keep them busy while we maintain our own agenda? Have our lives been filled with too much organized activity and not enough “down time?” Is there something else going on with this child that requires further analysis? Or is it just an episode of simple childlike behavior - a ploy to get one’s way in a certain situation. With a step back we frequently see that what he or she needs at that moment is only some reassurance from us that they are truly loved and valued; and that requires time – a special moment just for that child.
We too can act like spoiled children. Things do not go our way and almost immediately we feel unimportant, forgotten by God; cast aside for someone or something else more valuable than we are! It is during those times of duress that we are most likely to question God’s presence and love. We close our eyes to the many ways each day that He demonstrates His love for us. How saddened and frustrated by humanity our Heavenly Father must feel when we take all that He has gifted us with for granted! Just as we do, I wonder if God thinks also, about just how much more He can do to prove His love to us!
In Scripture we are told repeatedly of that love God has for us. He gave His life for us! When we question that love it is time to stop and reflect on all the good in our lives that He has brought our way to this point. Making it a daily practice to find the good in each day enables us to more readily turn in gratitude to God in times of trouble. When we become more aware and appreciative of His unending love for us, and His presence with us, the hope that tomorrow will be better in some way becomes as much a part of us as breathing. We are reassured over and over that we are loved! And as His children we can go forward in faith, totally entrusting our hearts to Him.
Heavenly Father forgive us when we become like spoiled children when things are not going our way! Thank you for the constant love and reassurance you give to us.
Copyright© 2014 Kathleen A. Matson