The baby has recently started playing with some children’s music instruments. You know the small set of play instruments that all fit inside of a small drum? The set has some drumsticks, a castanet, tambourine, recorder, xylophone, triangle, etc. He is learning to move the toys to make noise. He loves to bang them together to make “music.”
The other day, he had a drumstick in his hand and he started banging his head with it. I quickly said, “Baby, no. That is ouchy,” and tried to stop him from hitting himself in the head. He continued to bang himself in the head until he accidently did it too hard and hurt himself. I saw his cute little face go from a playful grin to a pout to a full in cry in a matter of moments.
I was thinking about the warning that I gave my son, and how I tried to intervene. He did not heed my advice and he ended up getting hurt. I felt badly that he was hurt slightly, but I also knew that some things in life need to be learned the hard way. He needed to learn that his actions have consequences.
Our relationship with the Lord is like that some times too, isn’t it?
Proverbs 13:1 tells us,
“A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke.”
How often do we regularly dive headfirst into a situation ignoring God’s counsel? We love to display our independence. If we would simply listen to God’s voice FIRST, we’d be fine. I believe God desires (on many occasions) to protect us from painful consequences, to protect us from ourselves. Instead we chose to learn the lessons the hard way. We are tough, stubborn and want what we want.
If you’d like to move away from your toddler-like ways and recommit to God’s leading, please pray the following prayer with me. I’m sure we’ll experience few bumps, bruises and headaches in our journey if we commit to doing things God’s way!
Dear Lord, thank you that you are patient and kind with me in my follies. Help me heed your warnings the first time. It is good to rest assured that you guard me, smiling on your child as you watch my steps. Thank you that you discipline me because of your great love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.