I love toddlers. They wear their hearts on their sleeves. You know exactly where you stand with them at any time. If they love you, they hug you fiercely. If they’re mad they stomp and yell and sometimes throw things. If they’re upset they pitch themselves on the ground and wail with loud, wet sobs!
As a parent, we know they are learning and growing and it’s our job to guide them, teach them, and be patient with them. Sometimes, however, we even have to discipline them. Even then we love them in spite of their behaviour and even when we don’t like their attitudes. Even though we know that sometimes they are acting out because they are hungry or tired, or learning to share.
I think God must look at us as HIS toddlers sometimes. I know there have been many times in my life when I’ve been happy with God and praised him for all the wonderful things in my life. But there have also been many times when I’ve been mad at God and I’ve stomped and yelled and cried. And there have definitely been times when I’ve been disappointed or upset and I’ve thrown myself on the floor and wailed with big, loud, snotty sobs.
But do you know what? God loves me anyway. He may not approve of my attitudes and behaviours, but he loves me anyway. He loves me enough to be patient with me until I wear myself out with my behaviour and return to him. He loves me enough to comfort me when I cry. He consoles me in my disappointment, grief, or despair. He loves me enough to be patient with me while I learn and grow. Sometimes, he even loves me enough to discipline me when I have misbehaved.
And, do you know what? He loves you, too! He made you special. Unique. There is no one else like you, with your gifts, talents, and beautiful personality.
“For you created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I will praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139: 13-14)
Thank you Lord, that you are a patient and loving parent…..even when I’m being a cranky toddler.