The Nature of God

I remember a conversation I had with my sister's mother-in-law, Cathey, around New Year's. She was talking about her own grandchildren and how even at such young ages they teach you about the nature of God.

I am seeing that come to fruition in the life of my little man. At just nine months - and even before now - he already demonstrates his strong will and determination. I cannot pinpoint this as a learned or inherited behavior because we all know Ed and I both share these traits, and what we know about his birthmom, she seems to have them too.

You know the story. Elijah reaches out for something and we tell him "No Touch" and he continues in hot pursuit of whatever he desires that we have told him is not allowed. Another, firmer, "No Touch" and he usually turns to look at you and laughs or squeals with delight. I admit, we have a hard time not laughing. He's so stinkin' cute...but he's also so defiant. Okay, maybe that's not the right word - but he is determined to do what HE wants to do.

What we know is that most of the time we are prohibiting him from something that could be dangerous or harmful. He doesn't know that. He just thinks we're restricting him. He has not yet learned how dangerous some of these experiences could be.

There have been a few times where he persists without heeding our warnings and he has quickly learned the repercussions are unwanted. This typically causes the knee-jerk reaction where he pulls his hand back and immediately reaches for whatever parent has done the scolding so he can now be consoled.

This tells me so much about my Heavenly Father. Even when I think He is prohibiting me from something that I might find enjoyable or desirable, I can rest assured He is probably trying to protect me from harm. Despite how wrapped up I may be in getting my own way, His gentle persistent may have to lead to a firmer scolding. Until, at last, I don't heed His warning and I may face the consequeces.

What I know to be true is that despite how 'hard' it may hurt, I can turn to Him and He will meet me with open arms. Just as I accept Elijah and console him after he's disobeyed, so my Father accepts me when I need His comforting.

It's an unconditional love that I could never quite fully grasp until I became a parent.

I praise You, Lord, for loving me unconditionally. For showing me mercy when I've deserved to face the consequences. For bestowing grace that I have completely unearned. For teaching me how good you are, despite my failures. May I become more like You so I may teach my son more of You.