Diva, Don't Shut The Door!

The Bible tells us that we are to instruct our children (Proverbs 22:6). Though, often times, our children end up teaching us! Such was the case today as I once again left my Mom Life meeting. It’s amazing how Mom Life days often end up being days where I learn little things from God. Maybe it’s because I have been “primed” in the first place by going, listening, and learning (in fact, we talked about prayer and hearing from God today and how He speaks to us in MANY different ways - through everything!).

With that being said, it’s obviously no coincidence that I received from God yet another spiritual lesson as Gianna and I were coming home today. It was my turn to help with breakfast this morning, so I had a casserole dish to carry into the house - along with my normal handful of things (purse, Gianna’s toys, etc.). I opened my door and picked up as much as I could while opening the sliding door to let Gianna out. As she got out, I proceeded to slide the door shut as I watched in annoyance as Gianna shut MY van door. “Gianna! Why did you do that?” I said in frustration as she eagerly and happily ran up to the front door reminding me that she wanted a portion of my leftover food. She didn’t care about my irritation. She didn’t even know what she had done. She was only focused on her own goal. Under my breath, I pitifully muttered about how she always has to make things harder for me; and that heaven forbid my life should be any easier. I had left my door open because I had more stuff I was going to pile in my hands from my driver’s seat before I kicked the door closed with my foot. Now, I would have to go and make another trip to the van after I got her majesty inside the house.

As Little Miss Anxious went inside, I made my way back to the van to retrieve the rest of my stuff (which, oddly enough, was the FOOD that she wanted and had closed the door on!). As I walked, I paused in my stride. I thought to myself about how many times I probably shut the door on God or slam the door in His face. How often do I make His job (and my life) harder because I‘m chasing after my own agenda instead of His? Thinking, like Gianna, that I am “helping” Him out, I close the door on something before He’s through; possibly the very thing I wanted in the first place!

I get so impatient with my kids (particularly Gianna). I hate it when they rush ahead of me or do things that I’m sure they think will help me out, but only interfere with my “master plan.” When they get in the way of my efficient and thought-out plans of action, it irks me because I don’t want to lose or waste time. It just messes everything up! Such is the case with us and God. We run ahead, we shut open doors (or try to open closed ones) and we just generally waste time instead of following His master plan. Of course, the end goal can and will get accomplished. However, because of the interference, it will take longer and new plans of action must be made.

I am SO THANKFUL that even when I screw up, and shut the door on what God is trying to do, He is MORE than patient with me. He doesn’t lose His temper with me, like I do too often with my kids. He is slow to anger and abounding in love (Psalm 86:15). He probably just chuckles and thinks to Himself what I often say to Gianna “Ok, Miss Diva. Have it your way. You’ll just make it harder on yourself.” Yes, I do make it harder on myself sometimes. Thank goodness, however, for the fact that God reopens doors and gives me second chances when I totally blow it (or when I think that my “helping” God along - as if He needed it - is something I need to be doing!).

I wanted to share a song with you. I heard it in the grocery store a week or so ago (and it used to be one of my favorites!). I know it’s a secular song, but if you really take in the words, you can apply them to you and God. It’s a song by Whitney Houston called “I Am Nothing”. Watch the video and listen to the song. Read the lyrics…..don’t close the door on Him (after all, He is knocking - Revelation 3:20). You don’t have to hurt anymore (Psalm 30:2). Stay in HIS arms. He will NEVER walk away from You (Deuteronomy 31:8, Psalm 9:10). We are NOTHING if we don’t have Him (John 15:5)! It’s in HIM that we have love, life, worth, and being (Acts 17:28). He sees into your heart and breaks down the walls (1 Samuel 16:7, Job 36:15, Psalm 18:2, Proverbs 21:2). You don’t have to run and hide from Him; or from yourself (as if you could anyways!). If there is to be any hiding, HIDE IN HIM (Psalm 143:9). You don’t have to “imagine” He’s there; He’s ALWAYS there! RIGHT WITH YOU; working in You and through you (John 14:26, Acts 1:8, Romans 5:5)!!

Father, I hear You loud and clear!! When there is an open door in my life, I need to be still and wait on You until You are finished with whatever You’re doing. I can’t be quick to shut the door on what You’re trying to empty out; or any blessing you want to pour in. Just as You were the one to close the door on Noah’s ark, YOU need to be the one to close/seal things for me when they need closed. I don’t want to interfere with Your plans and skip ahead of You. I don’t want to follow my own ways and meaninglessly chase the wind; I want to chase after You! I thank You that You love me and are not finished with me yet (Philippians 1:6). Thank You for Your infinite love, mercy, and patience!! May the only door that is NEVER closed be the one to my heart! In Jesus name I pray, Amen!!