Turning on and off the light

Our sweet daughter gets to help around the house by turning on and off some lights. She absolutely loves how the light goes on when she moves it up and off when she flips the switch down. I can see the joy in her eyes when she does this for us. Now, being only a year and a half old, it takes a few moments for her to actually turn it off in the evening right before going to bed. (I think she knows what is coming and takes her time...lol.)  There are nights that I am feeling more impatient and wanting to get through her bedtime routine swiftly, but as much as my mommy patience can handle it - I still let her turn off the light. She needs to practice and do this even though it is such a basic thing to do and would take no time at all for me to just turn it off. She learns nothing if I always do this little task for her.

I sometimes think about how God must be thinking the same of me. Oh how easy it would be for Him to come in and "turn on/turn off" the light. Perhaps I'm taking too long to turn to Him, keep avoiding it, or can't even find the switch. But, as a loving Father, what would He teach me by doing it for me? I gain no new insights or learning by having God come in and turn on/turn off the light for me. There is something about being in the struggle - the resistance - that makes it all worth it when it is finally completed for both myself and God.

I know my husband and I delight when our daughter finally turns on or off a light. I humbly think God is pleased when we do the same in our lives with whatever situation, temptation, or challenge that we face with persistence towards the good. Let's keep moving towards Him in all that we do.

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Father God, 

There are times that I find myself in different circumstances or situations that you show your endless patience and mercy towards me. It would be easier for you to "just do it for me", but you are giving me a beautiful opportunity to grow and learn. I thank you for your love of me and every opportunity to grow in holiness. In your name, Amen.

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Simply a little pencil in God's hand,
Elizabeth