Obedience

I got my feelings hurt on Saturday. I threw a little pity party in my head to go along with it. I was mad because I was envious of a situation and realized that obeying what God has called me to is what led to not getting what I wanted. It took me about 24 hours before I looked up to heaven and said with all sincerity, "I want you more than what I'm throwing a fit over. I don't want to miss what you are doing and I'm not going to chase my own desires even if it hurts."

A couple of hours later I was in church and the first worship song started. I was thinking about obedience and how I was trying to obey Him more quickly.  I heard a whisper say, "What happens when your kids obey?"

Well, I can take them anywhere! I can take them to nice restaurants and not worry about them embarrassing me. I can take them on airplanes and on trips and we enjoy life when they obey.

Yes...what else..what about when your husband's boss came over?

I felt like my kids that night showed off my husband well. You know God, it showed that he was a good loving dad but when they acted so mature, it showed that he disciplined them well. I think it revealed some of my husband's character to others.

What about the other night when Susannah fell asleep on your shoulder?

Well, since she is such a good kid, it creates an environment of intimacy for us. We can spend time just being friends because I don't have to get after her about her attitude. We can watch movies and just be together without worrying about obedience because it is just a given. And I want to spend more time with her and vice versa because of that.
Wait...so you are saying that if I obey you
You can take me anywhere
I represent your character to the world
I help create an environment of intimacy where I can know you deeper?

I felt Him smile. He's not finished with me yet.

You are my friends if you do what I command. John 15:14