Following Directions

For just under a week, I was babysitting my cousins in Newmarket.

One thing I found myself doing almost every time there were things to be done and directions to be followed, was that I would have to ask them about two or three times before they would do it. (I know, I know...welcome to parenthood Colleen - I get it! Just keep reading alright...) They would do as much as they wanted to do and felt they should do based on their own knowledge and understanding of life.

For example, the last night I was there they had to pack extra, because they were staying at a friends house after school the next day. So I told the girls that I wanted it packed before bed so that I could see it and make sure it was ready. The youngest girl told me that she just does it in the morning, and I told her that I wanted to make sure everything was ready so that nothing had to be done in the morning - so then she went to do it. (Although, I didn't follow up, so I have to admit that I'm not sure if she actually did it or not!) However, my intentions for these directions was looking to save them time in the morning and running around last minute (like I knew would probably happen, and I was to have left by that time, hence why we were preparing before!)

Anyways, it got me thinking (and if you haven't figured it out yet, I like analogies and comparing real life things to the faith) - the issues I had with the girls following directions, is probably similar to the problems that God has with us following directions, especially when you are new(er) to the faith. I can remember times where I have followed God's direction up until it was either what I was used to, or what I was comfortable with. Then, I tried to do it my own way or just left it where it was. (Of course, it's hard to fully describe this using the word "it", but I hope you're still following).

One of my most favourite verses comes from Proverbs 3:6 - "in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." This pertains directly (I believe [and no pun intended]) to the directions he gives us. His original plan for our lives is obviously a great plan for us, so if we follow them and submit our ways to what He says, then He will straighten out our thinking, our words, our actions, and our motivations behind everything we do. He will help us lead more Godly lives.

As I write this, I am feelings so much gratitude towards our Almighty Father in heaven. Mmmm how wonderful He is. I cannot imagine my life without him.

P.S. On a completely separate note...I am happy to announce that my very good friends SB & JB are having twins! They just had their first ultrasound. I've known for about a month that they were pregnant but was sworn to secrecy until they reached a certain point (which for me was very hard to contain), but now that the word is out I'm SCREAMING IT OUT TO THE WORLD! Praise the Lord! They are a wonderful couple who seek the Lord in all that they do, and this is such a big blessing (Although they are blaming me for it being twins because we "hang out too much" - but I'm okay with that - double the love to give out!) May God be with the pregnancy and with them as they adventure into parenthood!