My kids know how to address only one parent: Mommy.
Mommy is always the first one called for anything and everything. Even when I’m the only one home, they still always yell, MOMMMMMYYYYYYY!” I should admit, I don’t ever correct them. (Dear Jesus, if you’ve ever answered a prayer, please answer this one: can you hide that last sentence from my wife when she reads this? Thank you in advance. Your bestest friend, Darren.)
On a recent trip, I was eating the indescribably delish ‘Nilla Wafers. My son, Jake, was in the backseat, and as I was eating, he asked, “Mommy, does Daddy like vanilla wafers?”
While I don’t mind the oversight on my children’s part, since I never have to be beckoned by a screeching yell from the other side of the house (please see previous parenthetical reference), it is rather strange that my children refuse to address me directly, even when I’m the obvious one–and sometimes the only one–to answer the question or help with their request.
I think we often find ourselves in a similar predicament with God. We have problems, questions, needs, and concerns. And we always talk to everybody else about them. We tell others how we need a little extra cash this month, or how a specific relationship needs healing or work, or how nice it would be if God showed up in our difficult situations. We rant to friends or coworkers about our issues and problems. We call it “venting,” but sometimes its more (worse) than that.
But how often do we direct those needs, questions, and concerns to God Himself? He’s the one who can answer the questions, provide the finances, and offer healing to a wounded heart. Friends and coworkers can offer a listening ear, but God can offer a helping hand from heaven. So why do we talk to everybody else before we talk to Him? (If we ever get around to talking to Him at all.)
If you want to know whether or not God likes vanilla wafers, why not just ask Him?
Of course, the answer to that is an obvious and resounding, YES. I’m sure it’s the only cookie He eats. I bet the Double Stuff Oreo comes in a close second, though.
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- and… (gangwish.wordpress.com)
I always felt I learned the best lessons about God after I became a parent. I enjoy your mini messages!
God definitely likes Oreos. (There is actually a little slice of heaven between the cookie pieces.)
This one hits home. I think we do not ask God because we either: 1) Do not trust Him -or- 2) Are afraid His plan will be different from what we want. A lack of faith, a lack of submission, or a lack of true gospel understanding will always limit our prayers!
Darren I am loving your blogs. You are such a blessing to everyone you come in contact with. I have only one more thing to say though. The Nilla wafers you were eating were given to Jake from his Papa to eat on his trip. He was probably wondering “why is daddy eating my cookies”? Love you & and sooo proud of you!
This is awesome! Thanks, Darren.