My husband and I recently took away my daughter’s pacifier. She is two years old and we decided it was time for the paci to go. After consulting some friends, I decided the best method would be to go to the toy store and pick out a new toy to replace the paci. We toured Toys R Us for awhile and finally settled on a gigantic stuffed lion.
She was excited about the lion, named him “Nemo,” and showed him to family and friends proudly. Then bedtime came. She asked for her paci and I explained that she had outgrown them and now Nemo was going to sleep with her instead. Her response was, “Take it back and give me my paci.”
I thought of how often I do the same thing. I want something, pray about it, and am excited when my “wish” is granted. But often I don’t count the cost and later regret my decision. Or I wished for something that wasn’t God’s best for me. When I think back on the relationships or jobs or moves that I prayed over, sometimes begging God to see things my way and, basically, give me what I want, I can now see how His plan was better than mine. But it took some years and tears to come to that point. I try to keep that in mind as I pray now – wanting His will and not my own so I don’t turn around and beg Him to “take it back” later.
