“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21 NIV
My baby bottle years have been way behind me, that is, until my grandson was recently born. Now, I’m reveling in every moment of holding him close in my arms while he drinks from his bottle. This precious time is a blessing and a joy and believe it or not it has reminded me of a truth about myself: I am a planner. (That’s a nice way of saying I’m a control freak) At home, when I was teaching school, on vacation, at church events, in retirement, and on and on; I’ve wanted things to go the way I thought they should go. A lot of my energy has been spent organizing, designing, formulating, and figuring out how to navigate life with as few disappointments, unwelcome surprises, or bumps as possible along the way. Now don’t get me wrong, in day to day life, my strategies have been useful in accomplishing many things that had to be done, but being so wrapped up in doing things myself I believe has caused me to be missing out in my relationship with God. Here’s where a bottle feeding helped me see a little more clearly.
Being almost five months old, my grandson has started trying to help feed himself. He clumsily brings his hands up and attempts to wrap them around the bottle, In doing so, more times than not, his hands get in the way and the flow of milk stops or he pulls the bottle completely from his mouth. The result is usually a leg kicking, arm flailing, red faced yell. In my hand I have everything he requires to be nourished and to satisfy his needs. I offer it to him freely and with love. All my grand baby needs to do is open his mouth and accept the life giving gift. Do you see where this is leading? Here’s my ah-ha moment……
How often have my attempts at planning life out my way actually hindered my receiving what God was freely and lovingly offering me? Thinking I know what’s best, have I pushed unseen blessings away?
Have I faced times of famine simply because I’ve strived to do things on my own?
Watching Carson trying so hard to feed himself has caused me to pause and reflect. I’m reminded that God has me, and he has you, cradled in His arms and He’s offering us His very best for our lives.
Life certainly can cause us to kick and scream while teaching us that we’re not in control. It’s time for me to give up my clumsy attempts at directing my purpose and my path. I need to do less planning and more praying. Let go of my timelines and trust God to provide everything I need at just the right moment. Maybe you’re ready to give up your control too. Together let’s loosen our grip and open ourselves to “drink” in the life He has waiting for us.
I have written this post as part of #livefreeThursday. The prompt was “I give up”. Want to read more? Go to http://www.tsuzanneeller.com
That is a great metaphor, Cindy! You are so right. We need to listen to him, not just ourselves and the world, and whatever other people in the world happen to be around us. I’ve made that mistake before, too. Thanks so much for sharing and reminding us to stop and listen, and just receive his sweet gifts!
Sarah, thank you for your kind comments. Yes, it is a lesson I continue to work on…..stopping to listen not my strong suite!
Cindy, I know this was meant just for me! I definitely need to give up on trying to control my life and just let the Lord handle it! It’s hard, but I’m trying and this definitely inspired me.
I know exactly what you mean, Jacquie. Thank you for your kind words. You’ll never know how much they mean to me.
Great post- I am also a planner/ control freak but learning lately that I need to trust in God, rather than in myself. “Less planning and more praying” is definitely the way to go.
It’s a slow process Carly, but I agree it’s the way to go! Thanks for taking your time to comment.
Guilty of many control freak characteristics myself! Love this post, and love this, “… time to give up my clumsy attempts at directing my purpose and path.” YES! Surrendering to the One who has in all in His hands! #livefreeThursday
Oh, thank you for taking the time to comment Crystal! Clumsy is right!!! Everytime I think I’m ready to dance, I trip on my own plans!
Thanks for taking the time to comment Meg! It’s definitely a lesson I’m learning over and over again.
What a great metaphor! I remember those times so well and my boys both got so frustrated. I’m guilty of doing the very same thing. As an adult and having to function on behalf of the whole family, it’s difficult to maintain “faith like a child”. Thanks for reminding me of how dependent I actually am on him! Great piece:)