Learning by Experience
You can learn a lot by reading and listening. But there are some things that really sink in when you experience them. I am learning some truths more deeply now that I am a father.
Noah cries whenever we change his clothes or his diaper. Why? It's probably because he's disturbed when he is exposed to the bitterly cold 71*F air in his room, and he wants us to know that he is cold. It's as if he doesn't trust us. He doesn't think that we are doing good to him when we change him. He seems to think that if he doesn't scream, cry, and kick his feet during the changing, then we might just leave him there to shiver. In addition, he forgets that his mother and I have always been quick to get him taken care of and covered up as quickly as possible.
Don't get me wrong. I realize he's only an infant with a very simple mind. He doesn't think much about what he's doing. It's just natural for him to get upset and loud when he's not happy. Crying is one of his only forms of communication right now.
But still, I can't help but see some of this from God's perspective--where God is the Father and I am the child. God sees the big picture. When I worry or complain against Him, it is often because I don't see the big picture or understand His plans (and I shouldn't have to understand in order to trust Him).
God knows that what He is doing is ultimately for my good. He doesn't consult me when making his decisions; He doesn't apologize for His actions, and my crying or whining doesn't deter His plan to mature me and accomplish things through me. God has always done what is good for me. He has never, for one moment, stopped loving me or looking out for my well-being. And because Christ is my brother and my friend, the Father will always love me with the same zeal that He loves His only begotten Son.
Noah cries whenever we change his clothes or his diaper. Why? It's probably because he's disturbed when he is exposed to the bitterly cold 71*F air in his room, and he wants us to know that he is cold. It's as if he doesn't trust us. He doesn't think that we are doing good to him when we change him. He seems to think that if he doesn't scream, cry, and kick his feet during the changing, then we might just leave him there to shiver. In addition, he forgets that his mother and I have always been quick to get him taken care of and covered up as quickly as possible.
Don't get me wrong. I realize he's only an infant with a very simple mind. He doesn't think much about what he's doing. It's just natural for him to get upset and loud when he's not happy. Crying is one of his only forms of communication right now.
But still, I can't help but see some of this from God's perspective--where God is the Father and I am the child. God sees the big picture. When I worry or complain against Him, it is often because I don't see the big picture or understand His plans (and I shouldn't have to understand in order to trust Him).
God knows that what He is doing is ultimately for my good. He doesn't consult me when making his decisions; He doesn't apologize for His actions, and my crying or whining doesn't deter His plan to mature me and accomplish things through me. God has always done what is good for me. He has never, for one moment, stopped loving me or looking out for my well-being. And because Christ is my brother and my friend, the Father will always love me with the same zeal that He loves His only begotten Son.
posted by Wes at 4:33 PM
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