No, I have a better plan

You're probably expecting some kind of post on government or politics. Not tonight.

Tonight, when I got home from work, the girls had not rested well and were very at the end of themselves. It took a lot of energy to keep tonight from turning into one big "time out", but we did it. Not one time out. We had a fun, yet exhausting, evening.

However, at the end of the evening, it was bed time. Mommy and I have been taking turns and tonight was Mommy's turn.

This, I was looking forward to.

A lot.

The girls picked out different stories to read and I was giving them final hugs and kisses in the bedroom. That's the setting. Here's the dialogue:

Mommy: Tonight is Mommy's turn for bed time. Daddy's turn is tomorrow night.

Mara (going directly to the best possible delay source, Daddy, since it wasn't Daddy's night): I have a better plan Daddy. How about you sit on my bed and read this book to me.

At that point I looked at Cherith and commented that I was amazed by something. I said, "How many times does God hear that a day? People saying, 'no, God, I don't want your plan. I have a better one.' It was at that point that I got the briefest glimpse into the grace that God offers and another reminder of how fortunate everyone is that I was not designated God.

Knowing that Mara was asking out of a desire for connection and not out of anything negative, I gave he a hug and kiss, told her I loved her and went out as Mommy was getting ready to start reading.

God, the perfect being, is constantly hearing fallen man cry out "Not your plan, God. I know better." Man cries out due to his sinful nature. And yet, somehow (my somehow, not His), God continues to exhibit his unlimited patience.

If it were me...well, let's just say I would not be so patient.

However, I am also reminded that someday the activity described in the book of Revelation will come to pass. Someday, God patience will end perfectly. Typically, when our patience ends, it ends in anger (not mine tonight, btw). God's patience will end with Justice as only He can deliver.

I take this as a reminder of "Not my will, but Yours."

Aloha.