I like a formula. Give me steps A, B, C, and I can get my head around it. A formula has the promise that if you do each step you will get the desired effect.
But, when the results don't materialize I am disappointed. Most often I blame myself. I was not committed enough. I didn't fully subscribe to step B. I was distracted and took my eyes off the ball. What I fail to realize is that every formula has variables. When the variable is another person the validity of the formula goes south.
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
Proverbs 22:6
The formula is, do the training and she will not depart from that training. It should work, right? So what are the variables? The training, what should be done, the child, what is the child choosing, the path, is the path secure, these are all the variables. Even the outcome has a variable. When will she be old enough?
So is there a promise there in Proverbs 22? I am consoled by the conviction that these are relationships and not math formulas. The first relationship is the one with God. Do I trust Him? The second is my relationship to my child. Do I love her? The third relationship is time. Does it have to be solved now? Can I wait on His timeline?
I should be able. But I must fall to my knees everyday in weakness because I am scared that it won't end up the way it should.
I have been writing with the Five Minute Friday Group for more than two years and I really enjoy the talented writers who share themselves each week.
I hear your sweet mama's heart, and even more than that I know the Lord does too. Keep trusting, waiting, and don't stop praying! God has a plan, and a perfect time. Blessings, thanks so much for stopping by my blog today, I'm glad we connected and will be praying for your young girl.
ReplyDeleteThank-you Andrea. I like your writing very much. This post was for and in behalf of many mothers who feel worried about the outcome of their children's lives.
DeleteI agree, it is so hard to wait and trust in God's timing, especially when we know we think it should turn out, but there are so many variables. I love that we can be honest with God about our fears and uncertainties. Praying for you and your daughter.
ReplyDeleteAs I read your post I saw how acknowledging our fears, which is what you wrote about, streamlined into my ideas as well.
DeleteGreat post. I just read that Proverbs verse at our Confirmation banquet last week.
ReplyDeleteThank-you Tara.
DeleteAh... there is safety in the formula, right? I like them too. But God wants us to trust Him, not a procedure. I too "fall to my knees" and there I learn what I should do. Visiting from #18 this week at FMF.
ReplyDeleteThat verse....it's a 'should' not a promise. But we wear it like it's a guarantee. It's so hard when we follow these formulas and forget the variables. My words aren't saying it clearly, but I know that place of hoping it's as simple as 2+2=4. I so appreciate your words, and heart.
ReplyDeleteThank-you Debby.
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