A Food Wasteland

I thought we were making progress. I thought our 3-year-old was learning to be truthful and to not sneak food that had not been "approved". Apparently I was wrong. It seems that we had made progress in removing the opportunity for such behaviors, but not the desire for wrong-doing. We were able to manipulate the behavior, but not the heart behind it. And really, that is what this is all about. I want for my child to come to me when he is hungry so that I can give him good, healthy food that will nourish him and please him. I want for him to trust that I have his best interests at heart, instead of recklessly pursuing his own course.

Hmmm ... that sounds familiar for some reason. Oh yes, now I remember.
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." - Isaiah 55:8,9

So, as I survey the wasteland that my 3-year-old has created (empty Jell-o packages, white melting chips covered in Jell-o powder, and caramels in various states of wrapping - and unwrapping) it reminds me to evaluate my own life. What wastelands have I created? What good things (like Jell-o packets) have I wasted because I tried to use them my own way, instead of the Father's way? But what is even more amazing is how the Father continues to love, mold, and "work everything for my good". (Romans 8:28) What peace exists in knowing that I can rest in His provision and power. What growth occurs when I actually do that!

It is very similar to a song that I love by Downhere. It is entitled "All at War" and is from the Ending is Beginning cd. Here are a couple of the verses and the chorus.

I was born depraved but created for the divine
With death in my bones, in my heart eternal life
I'd love for Eden, but I'd kill for Rome
I'm native in a land that is not my home

It's justice and mercy, the old dichotomies
All along the front lines of my heart in both doubt and belief
The sinner and saint, the old arch enemies
All at war in me

You are the beginning, and You are the end
Into your great reversal, I am born again
A beautiful redemption, You leverage even sin
In me your final victory, I know You'll win

This post was submitted to the June Write-away Contest at Scribbit.