The other day, Gabriel was being EXTRA helpful, so I called him on it, asking why.
His response? "You asked me to."
Wow! That's it? That's all I have to do is ask?! Hmm... this positive response is not very consistent with what I've tried in the past. Interesting...
(breath) He continued on, "AND I want you to give me my DS back." Aaaaa... there it is, my boy with an agenda.
That leads into another insight... why can't we ALL do what we've been asked to do without the immediate expectation of a reward?
Because it takes work, energy, motivation to want to do what's right and what God wants us to do, without a want for something more. Difficult, yes, but necessary in following Jesus' path to the greater reward. Too often, we search for the immediate reward or instant gratification to counteract our "noteworthy" actions; however, God doesn't work that way, as I have learned over and over again. The journey is part of the reward. Without the labor and special care, no productive fruit will grow. Isn't the jam sweeter when you think about the process it took to get to that point?
I am amidst a time in my life where it it difficult to be patient, difficult to understand what God wants and accept the winding path that lies in front of me. Still, I trudge on. God must have a great plan for me!
This is not to say I am not thankful for my family and friends, who have guided me along the way. The fact is that time, in the Lord's mind, is a mere second compared to the years I haved searched for something that will make me feel value in what I do for others.
I think God has a sense of humor though. When I question why the opportunities are slim, he throws so many at me that I am confused about the direction in which I should go! ( In other words, He would not be one I would want to have a water balloon fight with! :) )
So on we go... continuing my prayerful journey to a destination only God knows.
