It took me a few days to write this down. For one, I think it was more profound for me than for anybody else, so its almost a personal revelation for me… but its been sticking in my head so here it is.
God is good. He is alive and well and actively participating in my life. He is also gentle. And kind. And He teaches in stories and events. And He answers your questions.
Always.
For the last few weeks (actually, months), the question of God’s provision is a returning theme in our lives. I seem to be fine in praying for a miracle if I can see how God can provide, but it becomes very metaphysical if I cannot see my own solution.
So God my provider, God my teacher, showed me by example.
It was a tough day in our household, so I phoned my wife, whom I knew was still chasing a deadline, that I will get pizza for dinner from our favourite place (shameless plug: Pashash pizza, pub & grill)
Everybody is super excited… food is coming. Not only food, a family favourite… with extra bacon (because my daughter asked me weeks ago, that when when we get pizza again, I must please get it with extra bacon)
Anyhoo. I let my wife know that I have the goods in hand and I am heading home. Everyone at the house knows a feast is on the way…
So, I am met at the door by my 6yr old with the words: “I am really sorry, daddy!” – this does not bode well… I know my wife has been trying to make their greeting more victorian… “Good evening father, let my take thy bag and coat, here is your pipe and slippers. Has thy day been blessed?”
Anyhoo, I digress… I ask my daughter (still standing in the door with pizza boxes in hand) what happened. “I was just soooo hungry that I accidentally made spaghetti for everyone…”
Now two things:
She saw her mom is working and her brother is away, and I am on my way, but she was hungry, and decided to boil water (by herself) get a big glass bowl (by herself) and opened up a few packs of two minute noodles, which she then made and got ready for the whole family. Taking it upon herself to take care of everyone. Because everyone is busy and working and if she is hungry, they must also be.
Also… She knew the pizza was coming.
She was not disobedient, or stubborn, or grumpy about the food that was coming. (At worst, she was a bit impatient) but all her actions was done selflessly in care of her whole family, doing her bit for the rest of us.
But it only hit me the next day. (Yes, I am slow that way, but at least it hit!)
God my Father promises me provision. Its His word. It already has power to succeed imbedded in it. In other words. It will be done. But I step outside God’s provision and plan for my life and the life of my family and go and make two minute noodles when pizza is on the way.
I try and be “responsible” instead of trusting in the word and promise given to me by my Father.
I wasn’t angry with my daughter, but I was disappointed that she didn’t wait. However, unlike God, maybe my promises took a bit longer to deliver sometimes. And unlike my promises, God’s promises are not made with the hope that the kids forget and go away doing something else.
We now have our new family motto when we see someone taking things into their own hands: Noodles and Pizza
I hope it sticks.
“If you, imperfect as you are, know how to lovingly take care of your children and give them what’s best, how much more ready is your heavenly Father to give wonderful gifts to those who ask him?”
(Matthew 7:11)
