[Tweet “Proverbs 21:2 People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart.”]
Bethany is in full teenager mode. Down syndrome or not a teenager is a teenager.
The other day I said, “Hey Bethany, you need to change that top babe. It’s too tight and I can see your bra straps. Change to something more appropriate, OK?”
And then it happened.
With a swing of her hair and a sassy girl voice “But I like it Mommy. I am 14. I can do what ever I want.”
I jerked to attention and walked over to her, took her hands in mine and made eye contact. Slowly I explained.
“ummmm. nope. not even close. If you want to be happy in life, you cannot do whatever you want. We don’t always know what is best. You are a God girl. We want to learn to do what is good. That means you need to listen to advice and think about what is right and wrong.”
“But I adult. I like my top. I can do what I want.”
“Honey, you need to trust me. God gave you parents and siblings and teachers who help you make good decisions. That top is inappropriate, so you need to change.”
Deflated, she walked upstairs and changed her top. 🙂
It’s just a little thing- or is it?
[Tweet “The allure of self determination is a mirage- #seek #Gods #wisdom”]
Who do we think we are?
No, really. 🙂
The smartest person alive, the wisest sage, does not hold a raindrop of wisdom compared to our great God!
I can’t see the beginning from the end. He can.
I can’t know the domino effect from my choices. He does.
I can’t understand the spiritual ramifications of self first living. He knows.
That’s why our Father God offers us His wisdom. His Word. His guidance.
And it’s not just teenagers that need to learn this!
Just because we’re adults doesn’t mean we should “self” determine our lives.
I’ve learned- through many poor choices with multiple dead ends and failures- I want- no, I need to learn to seek God first in my decisions.
He is the source of Light and Wisdom and I’m kidding myself if I think I can do a better job in my limited, carnal thinking.
So, as I travel through teenage land for the seventh time, I’m humbled to find I’m still learning some of the lessons I’m trying to teach.
[Tweet “Make your ear attentive to wisdom, Incline your heart to understanding; Ask for discernment #seekGod #wisdom “]
What are some of the ways you overcome self directed living? How do you seek and find God’s wisdom for your life?
Surprising Treasures: If you will receive my words And treasure my commandments within you, 2Make your ear attentive to wisdom, Incline your heart to understanding; 3For if you cry for discernment, Lift your voice for understanding- Proverbs 2:2-4
You remind me of my parents words to us as children: we don’t want to be a stumbling block to trip others, but rather stepping stones as we “prepare the way of the Lord” and all learn to walk with Jesus. Which prompts me to regularly ask the Lord to keep my “self” from getting in the way of the Holy Spirit’s work. What fearful bondage it must be to think man is the measure of all things!
I sure wouldn’t want to take this journey through life without knowing His “Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my pathway.” Thank you, Cindy, it’s always a comfort to “hear” your voice in these messages. 😉
I love that! “what a fearful bondage it must be to think man is the measure of all things” exactly. We are ridiculous in our pride and self consciousness….Agreed- this life journey is filled with His light and truth to guide us into His best pastures. hgs Edy! 🙂
Any parent would benefit from this post. Well written. Entertaining and motivating…
thanks, Babe! what a journey! Last teenager 😉
Loved this, Cindy! And boy, do I remember my girls at age 14. 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
Great message!
I have to laugh, Julie. I don’t know why I dreamed it would be any different. 😉 Thanks for stopping by. Hugs and blessings!
I love reading this beautiful truth. The world may have a lot of opinions about us, but always, only God’s voice matters. If He says we can, then we can. 🙂
Have a wonderful weekend, dear. 🙂
Sweet Lux! Thanks for stopping by! The older I get, the more I realize how there is no opinion but the Lord’s. His truth is life and His ways are freedom! Blessings to you!