Planted on the ROCK

 My favorite platter crashes to the ground and smashes into a zillion tiny pieces. My daughter's attempt at a "fancy" tea party has come to a sad end. Her face crumpled into the same zillion pieces and she begins to sob. I'm so sorry, mom. It was an accident. I didn't mean it. I just wanted to decorate the tea party fancy!. I swallow my disappointment and begin to pick up the pieces. Sweep up my frustrations into a little heap. I can't bear to dump those slivers of colored pottery in the garbage. I vow to use them in some kind of Pinterest-inspired craft project. While putting order to the mess, God brought to mind how my sins are like those tiny pieces scattered all over. Some of the larger broken bits could be my inflated pride, independence, and inability to wait patiently on the Giver of All Good Things. The smaller pieces are likened to petty gossip, physical laziness, and over sensitivity. And don't let me forget, gluttony. The Lord labeled e...

 I watched across the table as my daughter became frustrated at losing game after game of Bingo.  Her mouth drew into a firm line, lips pressed together.  Her eyes were almost frantic as she waited for the number-letter combination to be called.  As another player excitedly shouts "Bingo!" she slams her fists on the table and begins to cry.  I, as discreetly as possible, escort her into another room intending to take her down a notch.  What silliness to get so upset about a silly ol' bingo game! As I march her away from the table, the Holy Spirit begins to whisper to my heart.  Treat her with gentleness.  Don't blow your top.  Just encourage her.  This is not normally my first response.  I tend to have high expectations for behavior and get frustrated when the kids don't respond exactly the way I would. Thankfully, it was a long march so I was able to actually listen to the Holy Spirit. Why are you so frustrated, daughter of mine?...