Tantrums

We are in the delightful age and stage with our daughter of starting to throw tantrums when she can't get something that she wants or something not good for her is taken away. Recently, she has become quite vocal when I move her from the toilet she is trying to play in or take away a glitter Christmas tree ornament she is trying to eat. ::sighs:: She will cry, run away, or sometimes lay on her back kicking her legs. David and I tell her "No," "Not safe," or "Let's find something else" in these situations and distract with a toy or something she can have. It usually lasts less than a minute and then she moves on and is back to her happy self. 

I realize looking at her doing this, I can do the exact same thing. Well, maybe I do not look like a toddler crying on the floor, but spiritually I can be this way. Spiritually I can cry to God lamenting how a prayer was answered. I will cry to God "But I wanted it this way and you did not make it this way!" He responds as any loving parent, "No, this is not good for you." or "No, I have something that will be better for you." or "Just wait a minute."

As the parent it is easy to see why you don't want your toddler to play in the toilet or eat a glitter ornament. But, as a child it is hard to see what the problem is with it. As God's children, it can sometimes be hard to see why a prayer was answered in a particular way. God, our Heavenly Father, knows better than we do on how to keep us happy, safe, and healthy.

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Father, 

I can often throw a tantrum when I do not receive an answer to a prayer the way that I want it. Help me to see the way you see to be led to what would be safe and good for your divine plan. In your name,

Amen. 

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Simply a little pencil in God's hand,

Elizabeth