Background to the Story: We have a lot of fleas. -They are a common summer pest in this country. This week, I've done a ton of vacuuming, laundry, and other cleaning, just trying to keep the bugs manageable. It's pretty safe to say I've done about 6 loads of laundry, just today. At one point, there was a pile of laundry on the bed, mostly towels and blankets. I had to enlist some help- I just couldn't do it all.
Mom: "Son, I need you to help me fold the laundry."
Son: "But there's so MUCH of it!"
Mom: "I know- that's why I need your help."
Son: "But what are YOU going to do?"
Of course, any mom hearing that is about ready to lash out, and rightfully so. I wanted to say "it is because of me that you eat and sleep, child!" But a simple thought held my tongue until I was under control:
How many times have I asked the same of God?
How often, I hit some trial or sometimes just the burdens of everyday life built up and say, "God, this is so much! What are YOU doing about it?" We know from Scripture that God answers "By Me you live and breathe and have your being!" That seems to put it into perspective. I want God to help me in my time, and my way; yet God, who created me and all around me, is keeping me alive, and directing my way, doesn't work MY way. I must trust, that as He loves me and gives me life, He will show me direction and give me the grace to walk in HIS way.
It is so easy to see our children's faults, but if we seek to grow with them, we can learn so much! Thanks to my son, I was able to think about my sin of presumption and to grow in my knowledge of God.
And yes, I did go back and deal with my son. He dutifully folded the laundry, quite excellently, and put it all away, too, without being asked!
"For in him we live, and move, and have our being..." Acts 17:28
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