Message in a Sponge?
Sometimes kids are profound. This morning as I combed the rats out of my eleven-year-old daughter’s hair, she looked at me and said, “Mom, what would you say to someone who uses the phrase; ‘Why do today what you can put off until tomorrow?’â€
In my straight forward way I replied, “You are a nitwit.â€
“Mom, that is mean.â€
“Yep, that’s me, mean Mom.†I smile. She does not. I thought is was humorus.
“No Mom, I think you should reply; “What is today but yesterday’s tomorrow?’â€
I looked at her contemplating the genius of this child from my loins. What depth. Wise beyond her years. Insightful. Clever. This just confirmed my notion she was secretly reading the Proverbs under the covers at night with her flash light. I knew she was destined for distinction. Ahhhhhh, a mom’s day dream.
Then I had to ask, “Where did you hear that?â€
“SpongeBobâ€
Ugh! Or should I say Argh?
I could feel my puffed up chest deflating and I don’t have much to deflate in the chest area. Ah, reality….. My daughter learned a moral lesson from SpongeBob. What I learned from this exchange, however, was extraordinary.
After dropping my daughter off at school, I went for my morning walk-and-talk with Jesus. As I was praying, Jesus kept bringing the morning conversation before me—Lynn, What is the one thing you are putting off until tomorrow? As I contemplated this question, I realized I was busted (bad metaphor)! Jesus, was calling my attention to obedience.
Scripture is replete with passages of obedience. I am quick to rest in God’s vast forgiveness. I am slower to embrace His teachings and desire for obedience.
First Samuel 15:22 reflects God’s desire for obedience. 1 Samuel 15:22 But Samuel replied:
“Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices
as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD ?
To obey is better than sacrifice,
and to heed is better than the fat of rams.
There are several areas of obedience I have been putting off. I don’t want to deal with them. They will require effort, prayer, energy and time. However, I will start today with at least one and turn it over completely to the King. After all it is for my good and serves His purpose.
Lord, You gently call to me; surrender all my child. I am undone when I contemplate your vast patience and forgiveness and how You wait and wait for me. Today, not tomorrow, I will surrender my will, my comfort, and my selfishness.
Lord, I also delight in the many ways you teach me and lead me on the path of righteousness. Even through a yellow sponge and a daughter’s tangled hair. Thank you, Lord. Thank you.
Oh my gosh, this made me laugh so hard! Every time I puff myself up after my son has shared something profound I am soon deflated when he tells his source—usually Magic Schoolbus or Tom & Jerry.
Love your prayer!
So true! I’m learning, slowly but surely, that God is able to reach us through anything! He’s everywhere – even can be in things that do not bear the “Christian” label. Thanks for the reminder that today really is the only place we can do anything!!
Lynn,
I love this post and I needed a giggle this morning.
Arghh to me..now I have to go before the Lord and be examined and ask Him what I am putting off?
Blessings to you dear sister! 🙂
Oh dear…I needed to hear that this morning…A good friend of mine told me once to put my daily agenda before God and let Him clear what is ballast…Of course I have not done it as of today. I think it is time to do so and really get rid of the stuff that is no use to His kingdom. Thank you Lynn for the reminder…
Blessings on your day and always…
Amen. No other words needed.
I’m going to become a disciple of Sponge Bob… Oh, wait. that wasn’t hte point was it? Cute with the usual great nugget of truth. Thanks Lynn!
Oh my goodness. LOL! What a great post! What a great lesson.
I am the parenting moderator at Faith Lift (have you been there?) and need to ask if you would like to submit this post? It is rich in attention grabbing humor and profound wisdom. It needs to be shared with Faith Lifts readership!
How ’bout it?
Diane
This was a great post, and a great lesson. Thanks for sharing.
God has a way of getting our attention, doesn’t He?? I know that since Jesus came and brought a new promise,,,,
God prefers brokenness to that of a burnt offering….
So what does that mean for you Lynn and me and the others?
well, I have been derailed a few times…I think defined that is “Broken”
A friend said, “And God has given the Angels in Heaven the day off” He has us where He wants us…
Today, we are right where God wants us… for what the tomorrow brings
Praise God…
Wow what a great post! And Lol I do love sponge bob who’d have known he could be used by the Lord to change a heart? Blessings.
This is too awesome and exactly the kick I needed–I too have been avoiding obedience. Sigh. In fact I read this a while ago then proceeded to continue reading blogs till I cam e back and realized I STILL hadn’t done it. Hmm.