Building Blocks

It’s another day’s journey, and I am glad about it.  Ya’ll today was one of those days.  My last little friend of the day had quite the attitude.  He pointed to the blocks.  He screamed “blocks” out loud.  He cheered when I pulled the blocks out and unzipped the bag.  Then when I asked if he wanted to play with blocks, he quickly responded “no.”  But then yelled and screamed in protest when I moved to put the blocks back.

Now, that may seem a little strange to you, but I was prepared for his response.  It is not that my friend cannot say yes.  He does it quite readily.  This particular friend finds comfort in confrontation and struggle.  He has grown so accustomed to receiving extra attention when he acts negatively that he often throws out “no” reflexively.  Can this behavior be modified?  Yes.  But it takes time and patience.

Before I jump on his case too hard, I really am not that different from him.  There are so many things that I desire from the Lord.  Things that I point out.  Things that I name and claim.  Things that I cheer for when I believe they are on the way.  But when they are presented to me, I will yell out no.  Not because I do not want them.  But because I get in my own head.

It is one thing to desire something but quite another to actually receive it.  I am constantly on the lookout for the other shoe to drop.  Really, my actions show that I do not believe in the very things that I ask God for.  I am afraid to get my hopes up.  I do not want to be disappointed.  Praying and asking God to meet my needs does not terrify me.  The struggle is familiar.  The struggle has become a comfort zone.  Stretching out to that faith piece however is a different ball game. 

The great news is that my friend was able to play with blocks today.  I modeled the word “yes” at the end of my question, and he imitated me without hesitation.  Hmmm…I guess I need to say what God says when I ask something of Him, and He provides.  That will help shore up my faith.  That will remind me of His promises over my life.  Can my negative behavior be modified?  Yes.  But it takes time and patience.  #wepreach