Faith

Recently, I found myself in a situation where I had very little faith in a positive outcome.

Nate had seen a stuffed penguin in one of those grocery store "claw" games where you have to try and reach it and pull it up in order to win it. Well, he went on and on about how he wanted that penguin and I agreed that he could take his own money the following day and try to win it for himself. The next morning, he asked me continuously, "When are we going to the store so I can win my penguin?" and I told him over and OVER again that we would go in a little bit, but not to get too excited because he was not going to get that penguin. I told him how HARD that game is to win, and what a WASTE of time and money it would be for us to make this trip. I just knew he'd leave there, angry and disappointed. I was already worried about how upset he would be.

Finally, we left for the store. This was all against my better judgement, but he was so PERSISTENT and so sure that I had to let him try. He put his coin in and got close, but didn't win. So, I tried, and still didn't win. I let him put in the $5 bill he brought, and he tried again. This time, he WON! He actually got it! I could not believe he won that silly penguin; I was so happy for him. And with several games left to play, he even managed to win a Christmas elf for Aves!! He won twice!!

WOW! I felt so poorly about my earlier attitude. I had only been trying to protect him and prepare him for what I thought was sure to happen, but I was wrong.

Most of the time, I consider myself to be a "glass half-full" kind-of girl. But, in some areas of my life, I tend to think, "This is too hard. It's not worth my time. It's not worth my effort anymore. I can't imagine how things are going to change for the better. I can't see how God is going to make this for good." But more than anything, in those times, I need to remember that it's all in HIS timing, and that he has a plan for my life. I need to remember the promises he has made to me. I need to live with BIG faith.

Thank you, Nate for showing me your faith in the little things. Lesson learned.

Sovereign Lord, you are God! Your covenant is trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant. 2 Samuel 7:28.