BETTA TESTING
Sheila and I have three wonderful boys - John, David and Graham. All three of our children are miraculous gifts from God and they all have admirable traits that make my chest puff out on a regular basis. Take Graham, for example. He excels in the area of persistence.
At the wise old age of 11, Graham is our youngest progeny (by 5 minutes as David, his older twin brother likes to point out on a regular basis). Recently, Graham got the idea in his head that he wanted a fish. Please note that the phrase, "got the idea in his head" is VERY significant.
When Jesus realized it was time for Him to go to Jerusalem and give Himself up for us by dying on the cross, the Bible tells us that he steadfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem"(Luke 9:51, KJV) This means that nothing would steer his focus from the purpose for which He had come. Well, in practical terms, Jesus "setting his face," and Graham, "getting the idea in his head," pretty much amount to the same focus and intensity.
I have tried all the tricks in the parenting arsenal with every fiber of my considerable being to distract Graham from whatever might be the present idea in his head. I've attempted misdirection, changing the subject, creating confusion (something that comes naturally to me) and every other subterfuge possible, and yet, Graham has always been able to reorient himself. Like a cat dropped on his back, Graham is able to land feet-first with his goal still placed squarely before him.
To make matters worse, Graham doesn't succumb to the common characteristics of children with a robust case of the "give mes". He doesn't whine. He doesn't cry. He doesn't have a tantrum, or sulk himself into oblivion. He just mentions his intentions at well-defined opportunies and multitudinous intervals. But, even more impressive are his preparations.
A few weeks ago, Sheila pointed out to me a poster that Graham had taped to his mirror. The poster was so cute we couldn't help but laugh. It contained one hand-drawn fish with this carefully crafted warning in large letters: "Don't forget to feed the fish!" Please understand that this poster's intended audience wasn't us, it was Graham. It wasn't propaganda. It was a sincere preparation, founded in hope.
Further accounts suggest that he had already scouted out the appropriate spot on his dresser and that he had also spent considerable brain-power thinking of a name. All of this transpired without either Sheila or I giving any indication that we would allow him to have a fish.
In fact, I had given him all kinds of negative feedback on the entire situation. I gave the obligatory parental sermon on the fact that we would end up taking care of it - just like we take care of John's cat. I reminded him that we have a cat and cats like fish, but fish don't like cats. I told him that fish were on the bottom of Compton's Pet Companion Scale. I also pointed out that never do we hear of a fish pulling its master from a burning building.
My points were forceful and keenly presented. Things weren't looking good for Graham. The only thing on his side was the fact that his brother David, was asking for a crab, thus making Graham's request seem nominally more reasonable. So the reality of the situation was that Graham, through sheer focused persistence was, by faith, believing that his request would be granted even though circumstances seemed to be doubtful.
Of course, by now you have most likely guessed the outcome. Last week we succumbed and both Graham and David became the proud guardians of their own Betta fish. Note that David didn't get a crab. This concession allowed me to retain the thinly veiled illusion of parental control and dignity.
What can we learn from Graham's persistence? Well, I think it's pretty obvious isn't it? Faith takes action. Faith makes plans. Faith trusts that the answer will come, even when it seems that it won't. You see, Graham knows me. He knows I was testing him to see if he was serious and committed. He also knows that I love him and love to please him.
When I saw that Graham was already making preparations for the newest member of the MacDonald household, I had to reward his faith. Our Heavenly Father likes to reward our faith as well. He likes us to "believe and not doubt."(James 1:6) Of course the only way you can grow into that kind of an action faith is by first growing in your relationship with the Heavenly Father. Trust in the goodness of God comes the same way as any other trust, through first-hand experience.
"Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" (Mat. 7:9-11)
How much more, indeed!
Prayer
Lord God, help me to grow in my persistence and faith. Help me to trust in your perfect goodness. Help me to grow in my relationship with You to the point that I will sense Your moving and know, by faith, when You will act. Help me to "believe, and not doubt!"
If you have any thoughts, comments or questions, just click on my name at the bottom of this page and I promise to reply to your e-mail.
