Whenever advertisers send toy catalogs to our house, my husband Kenya and I quickly toss them out. We have 4 children and do not believe in spending money frivolously.
No ma’am. No sir.
So the unsolicited kiddie mags get tossed out as soon as they get pulled out of the mailbox. I know all too well how skilled these toy makers are at separating moms and dads from their money by getting to the kids first. It’s a tried and true method to get parents to spend big bucks.
Well guys, Kenya slipped up the other day and ruined our fool-proof plan. When a catalog mysteriously showed up in the mail—which has been happening a lot more frequently lately with the holiday season right up on us—he mistakenly left it out.
And one of the munchkins found it before he or I noticed.
Ever since that day, we’ve been getting “early Christmas lists” from our 7 year old son Kedar, full of all the things he saw in the catalog. So I told Kedar, “If you still want those things when Christmas time rolls around, perhaps you’ll get a few of them. We’ll get another list from you closer to that time and see.”
His eyes grew wide. “But what if I don’t remember mom? Will you remind me of my list?”
“Nope. No deal!” I laughed. “If you don’t remember, well, that must mean you don’t really want it.” I shrugged my shoulders.
“Okaaaay,” he moaned looking half confused.
Somehow I suspect young Mr. Hobbs won’t have the same passionate desire for those items come December. We’ll see…
You know, it’s funny. Adults can be that way too. When a desire for something is triggered by an external source, it’s easy to think we really want that thing. But there’s a big difference between a fleeting wish and a true passion rooted in purpose. If we are not disciplined enough to spend time in God’s presence, we won’t gain the clarity necessary to properly make the distinction.
And it’s a terrible thing to make a significant investment in something you’re not called to. That’s why it’s best to wait it out. Don’t be so quick to act on every impulse. Make sure what you’re focusing your energy on is a “God thing” before you rush into it.
When you incline your ear unto the Father, you just might find that most items on your “wish list” end up getting nixed. And you’ll only be left with those desires that reflect what He wants for you.
Today’s Prayer. Lord, sometimes I’m tempted to rush into things that feel right. But please help me to wait for clarity of purpose, so my mission in life will line up with Your vision for my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
