On Sunday, our pastor shared a quote during his sermon that I thought was hilarious. Hilarious, and true. I don't remember it verbatim, and I don't remember the author of it, but the gist went like this, "Before I had kids, I had six theories about raising them. Now, I have six kids and no theories." That sure made me laugh.
I have certainly been guilty of theories. Theories mixed in with the certainty that I was right about every one of them, before I had any experience on which to base those theories! Before I was married, I had lots of theories about marriage and about being a wife. Before I had kids, I had lots of theories about parenting. It's funny how those theories tend to fall away the longer I am within these roles! Every situation is just too unique to place a black-and-white stamp on it.
Now, I am not suggesting that the truths of God's word are subject to our fallible interpretations or whims. What God instructs us through scripture is always right and good and perfect. I, however, am not always right and good and perfect. I don't always have the right answers, and what works best for me in my life, in my home and family environment, might not be the best solution for yours. In the past, I tended to forget that God writes each person's story in a beautifully unique and intricate way. I can be opinionated, and how easy it is to judge when someone doesn't view a subject or situation in the same way as me! God's truth does not waver, but He weaves as many individual testimonies as there are stars in the sky. Testimonies that are filled with differing thoughts, different ideas, all to the glory of God.
When I share a coffee with a mom, or chat with someone in the library (or halls at church) I am just seeing a portion of their being, and what is going on in their life. How dare I place my "theories" over them as if I am some all-knowing person? The only all-knowing One I have encountered is the great I AM, the Maker of the heavens and earth. He fashioned each heart, and knows every person on earth by name. How about I put away my theories, and bathe each person I encounter with the love and grace that God Himself has showered upon me?
Liz, this is a GREAT reminder! Thank you for that.
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me of one theory I had. Of course, doctors agree that nursing is best for a baby and I agreed whole-heartedly. I felt that women who didn't nurse were being selfish or something negative. Then my second baby was diagnosed with failure to thrive and I had to give her a bottle with formula (to fatten her up!) and so I could tell exactly how much she was eating. That cured me of that theory real quick! The best thing for me to do for her was to bottle-feed. She gained weight and is a healthy two year old now - but I will never think anything negative about a woman who bottle-feeds again!!!
ReplyDelete