Here’s another one of those thoughts that sprang to mind while mowing the grass.
One of our daughters had been put in “time out” by my wife after getting upset and throwing a hissy. The whole thing was completely avoidable by my daughter, but she insisted on keeping the episode going. Beyond wanting the fit to stop, my wife just wanted to know what it was that had her so upset.
I’m not sure in this instance, but many times either my wife or I know what the problem is, and we’re just waiting for the child in question to admit to the problem. Stubbornness seems to take precedence though, the child feeling there will be some sort of loss if they admit what is going on just might be their problem and no one else’s. It really comes down to pride. It’s amazing how early in life we become prideful.
While mowing I thought, “Isn’t this very similar to what God does with us sometimes.” We get upset about something, get angry at God and throw a spiritual fit, and the Lord essentially sends us to our room for a little alone time to think things through.
He hasn’t abandoned us, He’s just chosen to allow a barrier between us until we calm down and come back to Him in humility and talk things through. Most of the time, speaking for myself, the problem was all mine, and the time alone made me face up to that fact. The more quickly I could get over myself and my pride, the sooner I could hear the voice of God and realize I was really upset about nothing.
