Empty Vessels

When my kids were younger, I used to think of them more like empty vessels. I was the mom, and I believed it was my job to fill them up with all the good things of life—things to make them well rounded and—let’s face it—better than any other kid who’s ever been born. I signed them up for sports, for music, for dance, because there was a lot to instill in these few, soon-to-pass child years. But no matter what activity I shuffled them around to, my kids played their own song.

They acted in ways that I was all too familiar with at home but that I hoped would suddenly change in public. I only wish I could have known this before. To realize my children’s Creator knew them from the beginning. King David knew this. Psalm 139 is one of my favorites. In it David sings about God creating us and knowing us, forming our bones and preparing our days.

It’s silly to think that God didn’t make my kids right. Or that He missed an important element (like artistic genius and athletic aptitude) when forming them. Even though they may be different than I expected, their designs were well thought out and beautiful. There are still things I would like to change in my kids, through either subtraction or addition. I know that just as I’ve grown and changed with God, they will too.

Doesn’t the Bible say that God makes everything beautiful in its time? Understanding this earlier would have helped save me time and energy as I attempted to form my kids into something they’re not. Maybe I would have felt better about myself, too, as a mom. I would have danced a little more carefree, and with a little more abandon, realizing there are no perfect steps. Realizing that different is beautiful. Realizing that God’s song is not what I expected. It’s better.

What about you? What is ‘better’ in your life?

Excerpt © Tricia Goyer, Blue Like Play Dough
photo credit