We've been attempting to potty train our 20 month old son here in the Big Weiss House. One thing about potty training - it takes your full attention. It's a lot of work to accommodate a tiny bladder - and sometimes things slip... or in this case drip. We've set timers in order to guess at when he may have to go. Sometimes that works and other times that doesn't. He was doing really well while we were in Ohio with letting us know when he went - and showed other signs of being ready to train. Of course, now that we've started training him - all those positive signs seem to have vanished.
I observed a funny sight the other day in relation to his potty training. My daughter was helping me with Shad that day (as usual). Thankfully, I have more than just my set of eyes around the house watching him for when it's time to "go". Anyway, Shad was out on the screened in porch playing when Celeste anticipated that it was potty time. She tried to lead him by the hand into the house. Shad did NOT want to move. He resisted and pulled back - yelling something at her in baby talk that we couldn't understand. He followed; tugging at her hand to go back outside. Just about the time they hit the hallway to the bathroom, Shad dropped his weight out from underneath and slumped himself onto the ground like a wet noodle. No verbal coaxing would budge him! I laughed at the sight of his determination. He wanted things HIS WAY. He laid on the ground on his stomach with his arms and feet fully extended both directions. He did NOT intend on moving. Can't you just picture it?
The next thing I saw from the dining room - Shad's legs slowly disappearing down the hallway as Celeste gently pulled him into the bathroom. It was so funny watching those chubby little legs inch away! He seemed to enjoy his little "ride" and quickly jumped to his feet and assumed his position on the potty chair. So funny.
I've thought of Shad "dropping to the ground" and insisting on not moving several times over the past few days...or the fact that he tugged to go the opposite direction of where we wanted him to go. I saw the situation from my parental perspective and began to get a God-view. Isn't this just how we are with God sometimes? Human nature has gotten the best of most of us - and even some of the most devout figures in the Bible. I think of Jonah, Moses, or Sampson just to name a few! We insist on our own way and resist what God is trying to do. We think we know best, but truly - God knows what lies in store for us if we do not walk according to HIS plans.
Insisting on OUR WAY often has unpleasant consequences. Psalm 106:15 tells us, "He gave them their request, but sent leanness to their soul." If we keep insisting on being the driver instead of allowing God to take the wheel of our lives - at some point, God takes His hands off the wheels and says, "Okay - you drive!" It's only a matter of time before we crash and call on God to come and clean up the wreck we've made of things.
"Leanness of soul" does not sound pleasant - but it IS an undesirable consequence when we are determined to take control. I don't know any Christian that would desire a lean soul - or would want to exchange anything for their soul (Matthew 16:26). How often we expect God to operate on our terms instead of His! Our resistance becomes rebellion when we fail to recognize and act on God's will and plan for our lives. Walking in obedience brings growth in spirit and character.
Let's meditate on this verse today as revelation as well as a prayer for us today:
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you." Romans 12:1-3
Lord, give us a mind that stays steadfast on YOU!
