Conversation #217+

Bethany:

“Mom, I need an I Phone. That way you can go to the grocery store and I’ll be ok to stay at home.  I can call if I need you.  Right? You see I need an I Phone? Right?”

Bethany has many variations on this conversation 🙂 lol

This time, something practical about her reason made me pause and consider her “need” for a minute.  No, she doesn’t “need” an I Phone but we are slowly but surely giving her opportunities to achieve more independence.  She goes to Youth Group on Wednesday nights and play dates with friends.  Maybe a phone isn’t a bad idea- and maybe- just maybe- I should begin to let her stay home alone while I run up to the store.

These are not simple decisions for me.  Bethany’s 14.  All of our other kids were staying home alone or even babysitting by that age.  But I can’t decide what’s right for her – for us.

Anyway, getting to the nugget of treasure for today.  🙂

I said, “I see your point Bethany.  What would you do if I let you stay home while I ran an errand?”

“I would play the computer and keep my phone right by me.  I would call if I needed you- you know if emergency happens.”   (sounds reasonable and mature 😉 )

“Well, let me talk to Daddy and we’ll figure out if he thinks it’s a good idea or not. OK?”

“OK. Mom.  But I’ve been thinking more.  You and Dad could leave me and go on vacation too. I’d call you to say I missed you but I  tell you I’m doing great. by. myself.  I don’t really need you guys. ” (Seriously? I’m still laughing at her grandiose obsessions)

Too many times to count, the Lord takes the “ridiculous” in my life and teaches me a lesson.

Sometimes I obsess about what I think I “need”.  I dream up every possible reason and justification why I “need” it. My “needs” make sense to me in my limited understanding.

[Tweet “God is able to see the big picture and give generously to our #true #needs.”]

Sometimes, I’m like Bethany-I may tell God 217+ times what I want/need. I think I know what I “need” but don’t realize how much I need my Heavenly Father to decide what I really “need”.)

The point being, I need to bring my “needs” (aka- wants, dreams, desires)  before the Father and ask what He thinks and trust He will lovingly discern what I truly need. We can be confident our Father will bless us with what we truly need (not want)  🙂

[Tweet “We can #trust #God to give us the best answers when we ask for His #good gifts.”]

I still haven’t figured out if Bethany “needs” a phone or not, but as her parents, Jeff and I will ultimately decide if it will be a benefit or detriment.

That’s where I want to be in my relationship with my Father- I don’t want to yammer and beg for something I think I “need”.  I want to learn to ask Him and be thankful  for His good gifts.

What about you?  Do you ever find it hard to let go of what you want or think you “need”?  Do you ever find it difficult to just seek God’s wisdom concerning what’s best for you?

Surprising Treasure:  We can trust the good wisdom of our Father- Matthew 7:9-11