Have you noticed a common phenomenon, that kids often do not want to flush the toilet?
I was reminded of this a few days ago while nannying for three kids. I (naively) went into the bathroom, only to find some unmentionable substances still in the toilet… Why?
My theory is that children don’t like flushing because flushing feels like finality. Kids don’t typically take permanencies well. They often think there is an eternal supply of crackers in the house that never runs out. They don’t like it when movies end. Or when we are done with something enjoyable.
They think lunchtime and snacktime and the things they enjoy most should go on endlessly, all day long.
On the other hand, it seems that adults are obsessed with finality. When is this done? When is this day over? When can we move on? When can we go to sleep? (Have you noticed that kids don’t dread Monday’s and they never want to go to sleep?)
I think there’s a lesson in the madness that is the life of children.
“As Jesus and the disciples continued on their journey, they came to a village where a woman welcomed Jesus into her home. Her name was Martha and she had a sister named Mary. Mary sat down attentively before the Master, absorbing every revelation he shared. But Martha became exasperated by finishing the numerous household chores in preparation for her guests, so she interrupted Jesus and said, “Lord, don’t you think it’s unfair that my sister left me to do all the work by myself? You should tell her to get up and help me.” The Lord answered her, “Martha, my beloved Martha. Why are you upset and troubled, pulled away by all these many distractions? Are they really that important? Mary has discovered the one thing most important by choosing to sit at my feet. She is undistracted, and I won’t take this privilege from her.”
Luke 10:38-42 TPT
Our greatest enjoyment is the presence of God. To sit at His feet and hear Him speak, as Mary did. We were made for endless communion with the Father, Son of God, and Holy Spirit. I think we’re actually meant to be like kids, never wanting our greatest enjoyment to end. Always having faith for God to move, for there to be more crackers, more of what we love and need.
Jesus modeled this endless communion by His constant prayer and connection with the Father. So many times He would rejoice and thank the Father before He even saw the miracle he prayed for. He would go away to be with God alone while people waited for him, or had needs. He had His Father, His First Love in right-standing in His life, never ministry first, or others’ needs, or His own needs. He did everything out of the overflow of His communion with the Father and Holy Spirit, He relied on His Father for everything.
At the Mount of Olives, as His arrest and crucifixion grew nearer,
Jesus “knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”
Luke 22:41-42 ESV
On the most dreadful night of His life, Jesus did not stay away from the Father’s presence. He drew closer, was honest, and fully abandoned. This is what we were made for. I think we’re going to miss it though if we’re satisfied with what we already know about God, satisfied with only ritual prayer and worship. Yes, it will cost us our life to be near to God, just as it did for Jesus.
I believe this season of having to stop Sunday church gatherings and small groups, our normal meetings and being seperated is God calling us to come deeper in communion with Him. Our communion with Him was never meant to be limited to church gatherings. We are meant to seek Him continually, praise Him continually, love Him continually. And I think many of us, myself included, are discovering what that actually is like, in 2020.
Let this be an awakening. I pray you are awakened to the more of who God is and what life with Him could be like. I pray you don’t settle for comfort or momentary happiness. He is better and He is worth it all and worthy of it all.
This is why I’m really going on the World Race. I know His heart is for the marginalized, the poor, helpless, hungry, enslaved, needy, even the kings and queens as well. But wanting to help people eventually does not sustain. My longing for more of God will sustain, and keep me headed toward Him, loving others with Him, not just FOR Him. I’ll go anywhere to know Him more. I’ll go anywhere with His presence.
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16:11 ESV
I hope this stirred you as it does me. Let me know your thoughts, I LOVE hearing what y’all think, and be sure to click the “follow” button at the bottom of this page to keep up with my blog and my journey!! Just a few more months until we launch in October! If you feel led to donate to my trip, you can click the “donate” button at the top of this page! I need about $4200 more to launch in October. Thank you for all the support!!
Til next time,
Lucy!!!
