Tantrums and More
The Lord has blessed me with three girls. They are smart, silly, and sassy. My oldest is 11, one is 8 3/4, and my littlest is 2 going on 13. She is demanding, feisty, and knows what she wants. It’s her way or no way. I didn’t know what tantrums or terrible twos were until just recently; I had never experienced them with my older two girls. I'd really love to say she got those characteristics from my husband, but no; she is a little spit-fire, and I’m quite certain that she got her those traits from me.
The other day, we went to Walmart. She picked up an item (that they conveniently place in the checkout aisle). She knows the drill so she handed it to me. I take it from her, the cashier scans it, and I give it back. That was not the case this day. I can’t remember what she picked up, but I quickly put it away. Her dad and her two sisters packed up the cart and left to the car. As we began walking away, she suddenly realized that she would not be getting her item. Immediately, she went from holding my hand to being sprawled out on the floor, crying. I picked her up as she continued crying (which was tough), her limbs flying everywhere. She was out of control, and it was hard for me to get a good grasp on her. Finally, I carried her out with her back against me and my arms under hers, her limbs still flailing in every direction. As I started to walking towards the exit, she stopped crying. I thought she was fine, and frankly I was out of breath, so I decided to let her walk. (She is a hefty girl, about 45 lbs.)
As soon as her feet touched the ground, she sprawled out again on the floor, loudly wailing. We were by the carts by this time and just about to exit the building. I grab her again, and it all repeats. She’s wiggling, trying to get on the floor again. I take hold of her and her tummy is showing as I carry her out. Then she gets loose as we approach the parked cars in parking lot. Down again she goes. There are cars patiently waiting for us to get it together, but I don’t even notice if anyone is watching. I desperately look for my husband for help and see him and girls already in the car. I make a run for it with all that I have left, open the door and put her in. What felt like an hour, only lasted a minute or two. I was exasperated, huffing and puffing, trying to catch my breath, extremely embarrassed, and yet slightly amused. I told my husband what happened (what I could get out) between big gulps of air as I tried to catch my breath, then I chuckled. She was still crying, but I couldn’t be mad at her. So I consoled her, told her I loved her and she stopped crying. Minutes later, she fell asleep. When we got home, I lovingly picked her up out of her car seat, kissed her on the head, and put her in bed. My eyes felt like they were glistening, as I looked at her and my heart was full of love for her.
Okay, so kids throw tantrums all the time, right? What’s the point of the story you may be asking. The point I want to make is that we often behave this way towards our Heavenly Father. We may have asked Him for something, and He withheld it from us because He knew it wasn’t good for us, or maybe because it just wasn’t His BEST! We complain, throw tantrums and fits to see if we can get our way. Fighting and grumbling until we’re worn out. Yet God is patient, merciful, loving, and full of grace. Though He has every right to be mad at us, He lovingly accepts us. He doesn't get angry, He embraces us. He stretches out His hands towards us, beckoning and welcoming us to come into His presence.
I don't know about you, but I often feel silly about how I act and what I say after not getting my way or getting something that I want. I pray and complain, mumble and groan, yet God doesn’t open that door. I impatiently wait and grumble miserably until God does open the door, or opens another door (which is better than what I initially wanted). Have I mentioned that I'm impatient? Then, when it finally happens, and I see how withholding it blessed me. I apologetically thank God for His amazing blessings and ask for forgiveness. The Bible says, now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think (Ephesians 20). God is all powerful and He can do so much more that we can imagine, ask or think. So let us be patient, seek God’s Will, and have faith. Everything is in His timing and we cannot force God to do anything.
Let us Pray.
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for all those lovely people reading. You know exactly where they are right now and what they need. Please teach them today what it is that you would like them to learn or know. Whether its correction, love, mercy, or to be embraced, give them exactly what they need.
Thank you for reminding us that we are just like children when it comes to not getting our way. We grumble, throw tantrums, and usually don’t see beyond our desires, we don't see all that you have for us. But thankfully, You are the best parent and Father anyone can have. Thank you for being patient with us, loving, and kind Lord. Help us to be patient and joyful while we wait. Also, help us to be okay with not having our way. We know that you love us and only have your best in store for us because your Word says that You will meet all our needs according to Your riches and Glory (Philippians 4:19), so let Your Will be done.
In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.
Prayerfully,
Pam
