mean mommy.

I don't give my children many choices. Really. I'm serious. I know. I'm mean; well at least some may call that mean. I don't. I call it great - intentional love. Sometimes they do have choices. If you were here day in and out - you'd hear them choose from time to time - yes...when it's a light issue of sorts like...well, I can't think of any right now...but it happens once in awhile. And - some may argue with me that perhaps when they're 18 and they leave this house and have to actually choose for themselves what they'll eat, drink, how they'll dress, and what their day will indeed hold - maybe they'll be stymied...but, really? think about it for a moment with me... SERIOUSLY...Because from my own life - my own strict mama and daddy -I don't think so. I chose and chose a thousand times without hesitation of wondering how to...Because it is always in us to want to choose - and to make a choice - especially - ESPECIALLY - for ourselves...Now for others??? well...hmmm. Not so much. Free will is innate. Submission is not. No one has to be taught to seek their own good. We do have to be taught self-discipline and to consider our choices for the sake of others.

So even though I may be a mean mommy to some in this respect, I will still dare say, that someday - SOMEBODY - might thank me when we are invited over for lunch and my children eat everything prepared, or when my son marries someone's daughter and he eats what she prepares without criticism. But let's just say that does not ever happen (i need to remind myself that validation is not the point) - and let's say no one else - not even my children in all of their wanderings in the world of different cuisines and cultures - experiences galore of choosing and having no choice, of comfortable and uncomfortable situations...where they may or may not realize the words I have told them since they learned to hold a spoon... I will still be satisfied, because I have taught them one thing consistent with the whole Word of God - Are you ready for those words??? Your life is not about what you like - but about what is good for you. And the kicker - that I pray they see with all their heart, and mind, and body -... God will work all things together for our good. Even if we hate it.

Thank you, Jesus. Moses. Abraham. Esther. Job. Joseph. Mary. Rahab. Joshua. Jonathan. Noah. Paul. Matthew. Mark. Luke. John. Ruth. Naomi.... should I go on? Because I know more - many, many more; my family members included....and maybe some of yours as I think of people I get to know and love...maybe you.

This life is not about always getting what we like. But somehow - SOME amazing WAY - TRUTH and LIFE - how...God makes it good. So very, very good.