When my
little five year old helps me to peel potatoes, am I upset that she is slower at
the job than I am or that her peeling strokes are not as long and skilled as
someone older?
No, of
course not!
As I hear
her chatter away telling me how much she loves me and wants to help, my heart swells. She apologizes, pointing out that she is
still on her first potato while I have already peeled several. I reassure her that it is her heart that pleases
me. Her motives are good and her effort to
do what I want her to do blesses my heart.
She beams and gives me a kiss.
How many
times are we like that little potato peeler?
We want to do great things for the Lord, but we feel little and clumsy
at the tasks He has given us.
He could
probably find someone with much greater skill to do the job He has called us to.
But just
like I do not expect little Hailey to peel the entire pot of potatoes on her
own, He is working with us. In fact, He is
doing the bulk of the work—it is God who changes hearts, teaches our children,
and grows us. Me? I am the one flinging little bits of potato
peel all over the floor... knowing He
will also graciously clean my messes and mistakes just like I happily clean up
after my “helper.”
Thank you
Lord for letting us help. And thank you
for doing the bulk of the work. We love
you for working in us and for causing us to will and do of your good
pleasure.
Your little
potato peeler,
__________________
Posts
Such a timely reminder - thank you! I often tell my girls that I can do it, even when they offer to help! I need to step back and guide them as they learn.
ReplyDeleteAmen!
ReplyDelete