Thursday, June 4, 2015

What Am I Fishing For?

Katelyn was a sleeper, a napper. Place her in the baby bed, and like me, she was out like a light in 60 seconds. And with her being a cancer survivor, she needed that trait more than ever. She needed sleep and rest through the toughest of times.

Karalee wasn't. She stayed up late. Her crib was the best playground in the world, converting into monkey bars, balance beams, rock climbing, when mom stepped out of sight. Well, you get the picture. And naps? Have mercy.

On those nights that she struggled to fall asleep, when she'd advanced to a big girl bed, I'd snuggle beside her in bed and cast out the heavenly lure. For that was my most important job as a mother. I'd share about our Savior till she fell asleep. We'd talk about the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit. We'd talk about the Holy Spirit's role in our lives. How God guides and instructs and cautions us through the Spirit, our amazing Counselor.

Well, one afternoon, after she'd grown older and had already accepted Christ as her Savior, I had sent her in to her bedroom to take a nap. The restful nap was more for Katelyn and me than her. In a matter of minutes, it seemed, she was back out the door.

"You didn't take a nap, did you?" I half accusingly asked.
 
"My Holy Spirit told me I did," she declared, with the nod of her sweet head.

I laughed so hard. What can you say to that?

I'd invested years, much time, baiting her precious heart for Christ that fishing her heart for a lie felt so wrong. After years of teaching her trust and truth, I had to ask myself, "What kind of fish are you aiming to fry?" Something stirred inside my heart. I'd say the Holy Spirit. I didn't fish for more. I didn't keep fishing to catch her in a lie, baiting a tall tale.

I chose to trust.

Radiance emitted from her precious eyes.

When times are tough, waters rough, we need to take it easy on ourselves and others. Choose to believe the best of others, begging God to transform our hearts into a 1 Corinthians 13 vessel of love.

And hang on to trust and love.




"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."1 Corinthians 13:4-7

9 comments:

  1. Shelli, these pictures are way too adorable---I love them. Your post reminds me to be thankful for the honor of having little ones (though bigger than me now) to love, to pray for, and to hug. Corinthians 13 isn't just for weddings: It's for everyday life. I think children tend to rise to the level of trust we have in them. It's empowering to have someone believe we can do it (especially when that someone is a praying parent).
    Blessings & hugs ~ Wendy ❀

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    1. "Children tend to rise to the level of trust we have in them" ... oh, amen, Wendy. Every time I question my girls in truthfulness, I want to kick myself. :)

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  2. I agree with Wendy...on all counts.

    One thing I've seen in the marriage ministry is consistent advice that when one is wronged by a spouse, there is a 'probationary period' of earning trust back.

    I have a problem with this...while it' certainly practical, and gives a nod to human nature, it's not what Christ taught. If we forgive, we're to never, ever bring up the wrong again, otherwise the forgiveness is just a sham...and if it's done in the name of God, it's taken His name in vain.

    What do you think?

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    1. What do I think, Andrew? I "amen" every word you said. A second "amen." And does the probationary period ever end? I don't think so. But then, that is the difference between forgiveness and the lack thereof. And maybe the difference between a true Believer and one who isn't. God does give us the power to forgive when we belong to Him. I can't imagine living in a world where a wrong is never brought up again. Only in heaven. And that will be glorious.

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    2. Andrew, true love keeps no record of wrongs. Isn't that beautiful?

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    3. I love that, Shelli. I'll probably get to heaven first, so I'll make sure you have a pit pass waiting, for the short-track oval God's running there. And no weak-arm stuff about mufflers, either. The Sound of Heaven includes good Detroit V-8 iron.

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    4. I'm hoping the rapture happens before your glorious departure and mine, too! I say we all go together! :) But if you do make it before I do, I'll be so happy to see you. But that's the tricky part about life ... we never know from one day to the next if we'll be here. :) And your description about mufflers and iron and I'm gonna call it biceps just because I can ... and this silly girly-girl trying to follow all that ... makes me smile!!

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  3. The "love does not boast" part of the love chapter confuses me.

    I completely understand the "love is not easily angered" phrase. I had to work on that after I'd gotten married at 40. What I viewed as only irritation and annoyance, my husband viewed as anger. If I didn't understand his definition and adjust my behavior, our house wouldn't be peaceful. The terms are all so connected (except that boast one--just don't get it).

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    1. Melodie, I had to look up "boast" ... said "self admiring" ... maybe another form of pride ... just focusing on self. What do you think? And I understand the misunderstandings ... we come to marriage from different walks of life, different baggage. It takes a while to understand each other, it seems. It's amazing how we can think so differently. You always bless me, Melodie.

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Blessed by you, Shelli