The disappointment swam in her eyes behind the small, plastic smile.
I’d had to say “no”. I tried to explain, but how many teens maturely comprehend why a mom says ‘no?’
She quickly ascended the stairs to her room. She respectfully didn’t stamp or stomp.
She didn’t huff and puff.
She didn’t slam the doors in her frustration or irritation.
Someday she’ll understand. Someday she grow up.
Just like I did?
I winced at my own thought.
How often when I discern a ‘no’ from my Heavenly Father do I fake a smile, mentally mumble praises, then retreat to my private world where I can bemoan, mourn, and protest in private?
I am no longer a teen, yet can I always understand?
Do I constantly comprehend? Do I truthfully, immediately trust God, no matter the outcome?
Sometimes, I arrive at the truth much faster than others; honestly though, it’s rarely the knee-jerk reaction.
With my daughter, I let her enjoy a silent solitude.
That’s what she desperately wanted.
That’s what she desperately needed.
Get out the hurt, the anger, the frustration… so she was receptive… to logic… to little nuggets of truth said with sincerity sure to appeal to her heart…
Maybe, just maybe, mom has a good reason after all.
Maybe, just maybe, our Heavenly Father has a good reason for the ‘no’. I bet He closed that door for a reason. I don’t need to understand today… but I do need to trust He has me.
Psalm 9:10 reminds me “Those who know Your name trust in You, for You Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You.” (NIV)
And, you know, as I look back over life, it’s true.
And when I’m caught up in the moment and I’m frustrated? When I mentally march off, stomping and shuttering?
Romans 15:13 soothes my bruised and battered soul, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the Holy Spirit.”
As my daughter already knew deep down, ‘My parents love me and only want the best for me,’ so I know God loves me and only wants the very best for me.
God can be trusted.
Even, especially, with the disappointments, the frustrations, and the temporary stings.
Because He always keeps His promises and even in the midst of the disappointments, frustrations, and pains, He only want the very best for me.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for always taking care of me, especially when I can’t see it. Thank You that Your ‘no’s’ serve a purpose and it’s for my best interest. Please grow me to trust You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.