Overwhelmed by My Blessings (Part 12)ናሙና

“Go to your room!”

It was a statement I said often, harshly reprimanding my children into exile so I wouldn't have to deal with their whining, ungrateful attitudes. Wailing at the top of their lungs behind a closed door when they were young, or stomping up the stairs and slamming their bedroom door as teens, this put an immediate end to the chaos and discord of the previous moments. A false sense of peace floated in the silence. Now I could go on about my very important mothering business though my heart would be stinging. 

It took me some years to figure out that separation from my child wasn’t the answer to the turmoil. Even if I later went to try to talk out the situation the fact was still there—I had sent my child away from me as a solution to our conflict.

This was never the pattern with Jesus. He always drew people toward Him. Even the one He knew would reject Him, Judas, He invited and allowed him at the table. He welcomed him into His inner circle. He kept him near.    

Jesus took time with difficult people. He sat down with the woman at the well. He invited Himself to Zaccheus’ home. 

He even called the little children to come to Him. I don’t really think the storybook pictures of sweet cherubic children gathered around Jesus are very accurate. Kids who have been playing outdoors are smelly and rowdy. Picture the scene for what it probably was. Still, Jesus invited them to come to him and not be sent away. He took time with them.

He invites you and I to come. Always. 

Think about this the next time your exasperation makes you want to send your child away from you. Sure there are times for short term separation but consider the manner, tone of voice, and heart attitude that usually comes when you’ve reached your limit. Take the time. Whatever you were doing before can wait because you have something more important to do—something of eternal value. Invite your child to sit down with you. Take a deep breath. Explain what’s going on in your mind and heart. Ask him about his. Pull him in closer rather than sending him away. I think you’ll see a different outcome in the situation—for you and your child.. 

Pursue him rather than sending him away. Maybe his meltdown is a cry out for more love and quality attention.  

Father, You know my natural response to melt downs and chaos is finding the quickest remedy. May I see the immense value in taking the time to pull my children in closer rather than sending them away—a far better choice for developing our relationship. I know You never send me away, and I’m so very grateful for Your patience, kindness and long-suffering with me. I know today I will be met with the opportunity to choose either taking the needed time or having instant relief. In that moment, may my heart be reminded to choose and model You and Your ways. 

Consider reading these scriptures from The Passion Translation (TPT)