Wanting What He Chooses to Withhold

Nov 20, 2009 by desiringvirtue

Tantrums are a part of every childhood I suppose. The overwhelming urge to make known your anger explodes into a fit of screams and bodily jerks until you finally realize you aren’t changing anything or worse, your tantrum actually does get you what you want. Elliot has just begun this stage of his childhood and I am already seeing the very real sin nature that we are all born with. Something as simple as a baby gate keeping him from interrupting mommy as she puts away the dishes can be the ultimate in agonizing experiences!

Yesterday as this familiar scene was unfolding in my kitchen I couldn’t help but laugh as Elliot expressed his sheer outrage. Before I walked into the kitchen he had no interest in it and there is nothing particularly wonderful about the kitchen when compared to the rest of the apartment. In fact, all of his wonderful toys were on his side of the gate. It was the simple fact that the kitchen was off limits to him that caused so much pain and anguish in his little soul.

I am often like this with my Heavenly Father. Throughout my life there have been things that he has either withheld from me or asked me to wait for and usually, I am less than content in such circumstances. Just like Elliot, all I can see is the thing being withheld from me. The many blessings and joys he has already lavished upon me are furthest from my mind and heart. Like a little child who is stubbornly screaming for what is on the other side of the gate, my heart screams for that which I cannot have. How my Father must look at me in such circumstances with wonder and sadness. How could I not trust him when he has been so faithful to me in the past? Has he not proven that everything he gives, takes and withholds from me is for my best?