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Because I, no HE, said so...

As our kids were growing up, I often found myself sounding much like my own mother when parenting.  I am blessed with a wonderful mother, so following her example is/was a very good option.  There were, though, those few lines that I was determined not to repeat.  Most assuredly, when questioned about the 'why' of some directive, I was certain I would never use the words, 'because I said so.'  I knew, with all patience, I would explain each decision and the well-thought-out rationale behind the decision.  They would listen intently until they understood and agreed...

That plan probably lasted until Katie was two years old, and I had patiently answered the 'why' question for the umpteenth time... and was weary of explanation.  She didn't listen intently, she didn't understand, and she certainly didn't agree!  I was the MOM here... and I SAID SO!  :)

There were those very important times like a surprise 16th birthday party for Mollie.  All she had been told was that would be babysitting for the evening.  My question to her, "are you really wearing... that??  Her question made sense... "what difference does it make; I'm babysitting - the kids don't care if I'm not dressed up."  I responded with, "well, I would prefer that you look a bit more presentable... just because I say so."   I knew the future for her... I knew the plan I had for her... I knew she would appreciate my encouragement later.

Raising preschoolers, the time I most remember using the "because I say so" phrase was nap time enforcement.  You see, I knew that the afternoon would bring fun playtime outside, and that rest was necessary for the enjoyment of the remainder of the day.  A few of my children did begin to trust my "because I say so" wisdom, and they often benefited from my advice.  Occasionally, as they trusted more and more, they would not necessarily like the wording, but they would yield to it.  Realizing, sometimes... much, much later, that I always had their best interest in my mind.

At some point in their lives, our children had to decide that either they trusted us, or they didn't.  Don't think for a moment that it was a "once and for all times" decision.  But with each event, whether huge or relatively insignificant, they realized our love for them always guided our decisions for and about them even if/when they didn't fully understand.  Trust me when I say, we were so very far from ideal or perfect parents, but our intention and desire was always the same... to encourage them, to teach them, to help them develop skills that would offer them understanding...  "to grow in wisdom, in stature and in favor with God and man." (Luke 2:52)

As I have recently found myself asking my loving heavenly Father some of those why questions, those I don't understand questions, those this doesn't make sense questions... I have listened intently to His word - His answer to some of my questions.

Oh my loved Daughter:
As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.  Isaiah 55:9

Oh my trusting daughter:
I, the Lord, do not change.  Malachi 3:6
Trust in Me (the Lord) with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways, acknowledge Me (Him) and I (He ) will direct your path.  Proverbs 3:5-6

Oh my confused daughter:
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.  Ecclesiastes 3:1

Oh my fearful daughter:
Don't be afraid, for I am with you.  Don't be discouraged, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you.  I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.  Isaiah 41:10

Oh my uncertain daughter:
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;  I have summoned you by name; you are mine.  Isaiah 43:1

Oh my precious daughter:
I have loved you with an everlasting love;  I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.  Jeremiah 31:3

He loved you and me so very much that HE sent his only Son, Jesus, to die for us, so that we could have life forever - eternal life.

... because HE said so!







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