God’s time always seems to be just perfect and I love when He chooses to use my son as an opportunity to teach me something about myself. I must admit that parenthood—and all the fun times and struggles that come with it—has really been a blessing for me. God has taught me so much about myself throughout this first year in my role as a father.
Anyway, so back to the fussy babies. It is not always bliss to deal with a fussy baby, especially when you are trying to get work done, as in our case. Obviously, the baby has no idea that he is preventing you from doing your work. All that matters to him is his comfort. If he doesn’t feel right, he’s going to let you know.
Why We are Like Fussy Babies and Why It’s Not Helpful to God
This is many of us Christians. We wine and complain about what we don’t have and think we need, about our feelings and emotions, our lack of comfort, our physical pleasure. This is often the extent of our “prayer and petitions”—which, by the way, I don’t think is what St. Paul was referring to. Meanwhile, our temper tantrums and hissy fits are preventing us from really being open to God’s grace and the work He wants to do in us and through us.
If we are to be vessels, instruments, channels of God’s love, then we’ve got to allow Him to do His work. I imagine His to-do list would probably wrap around the Earth multiple times. So instead of adding vain items to the list, why not ask Him what you could help out with? I’m sure He’d be more than willing to split the work with you and I know without a doubt that He’d equip you for the task.
Try it today. Make your prayer time not about your “vanity of vanities“, but rather about how you can take part in the work of God to bring about His reign, His kingdom. Other-centeredness is almost always a big step in the way of holiness.