Aren't we just like our children?

"Why, Mami?" "Because Andrew...because..."

"Diego, do you know why Mami asks you to hold her hand when we leave somewhere? Do you know why it's important to follow directions? Do you know why you have these consequences now?"

"Diego, there is a reason Mami and Papi say no jumping on the bed! Look at this bump! Now, You have a huge knot on your head, Diego!"

And Tatiana on an itinerary of the day: "Mami, eat, brush your teeth, get dressed and... and...then what? ...then what? and then?" "Tatiana, I don't know let's just see...ok?"

Hmm...aren't these some of the same questions we ask God? I know I've wanted to know "Why?" on several occasions! I wonder if the times I don't feel like I'm getting an explanation from the Father... if these are moments I'm getting an answer much like that I've given my own children before... "Because, baby, because." What about the things we do, because "We know better!" BUT--that's not exactly what God has told us to do? Or what about doing things "our way" because we know that we can get the same or better results, even quicker or more efficient?

Just as with our own children, God commands and expects us to do certain things...and when we don't comply- ha! Why shouldn't we get the just consequences? Why do we feel God should let us "slide" when we don't with our own children in the physical? (Of course, there is a time to give grace, but there are still certain consequences for misbehavior!) And, because we don't heed to the voice of the Father, we hurt ourselves (often) just like Diego who fell off the bed and bumped his head...and then, it's funny how we also, run crying to the Father hoping He will make it better...just like Diego did!

Tatiana will go to bed and ask about the following day's agenda. For the most part, I am very structured and the kid's do well with structure. BUT Tatiana wants to know exactly what her schedule will be...and if we're off, she'll remind us! But ya know, it's difficult to tell her EXACTLY what we will be doing each and everyday... How often do we want to know exactly what God is doing and expects us to do and just lay everything out there so we can see the BIG picture...? I know God doesn't satisfy the curious...I think He reveals things as we are able to comprehend or understand them; and some things are kept hidden for unknown reasons; some are surprises, good surprises, blessings!

Anyways, in each of the conversations above, I was able to reflect back on the same questions that I have had for my heavenly Father... hmm, interesting... what are your thoughts? Do you find any parenting similarities with that of our Father?

May each of us, whether with child or not, be more and more like God. And for those who are parenting, may our parental guidance mirror that of our GREAT Father!