There are times I wonder at the ways in which God teaches me. Case in point …

Potty training. {{See what I mean?}}

We have a certain someone, I’ll leave her nameless because you all know who she is anyway, who has resisted potty training. She fully understands the concept, is not afraid or apprehensive, in the least. Sometimes she does and sometimes she doesn’t. It all depends on how great her need is for a few M & M’s.

I kid you not because you can’t even make up what we have all been going through. Trust me.

I have never in my life seen a child so resistant to do what she knows she needs to do. She was in control, and the level of manipulation so deep, there truly are no words to adequately express what we have gone through.

Most days, she was pretty polite about it all, responding when offered the potty with, “No thank you, I don’t want to.”

And then, last week it all changed. On the dime.

Her little mind was made up and it was a done deal. I mean like done. It literally happened overnight. No accidents. No fussing. Like done.

Only it left me with the question … “What was this all about?”

Wednesday afternoon, she and I were doing puzzles together. Out of the blue, she asked, “Mimi, am I going to wear my undies everywhere?”

“Well, yes you are,” I replied.

She then proceeded to list off every place she goes on a regular basis to ask if she would wear them, even there. When I responded, “Yes,”, she was quiet for a few seconds and then came her thoughts, “This is ridiculous! When am I going to get my diapers back?”

Bingo! It hit me — –

We must let go of the familiar in order for growth to occur.

I am no different than a potty-training toddler. I want to hold onto the familiar for as long as I can as well. I detest change. Even when I give into the change I know needs to occur, I still wonder – when can I return to the familiar or that which brings me comfort?

Paul, in Philippians, encourages us to pursue Jesus with all our strength and determination:

“No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” (Philippians 3:13-14, NLT)

We must not slip or go in reverse for then no progress will be made in our lives.

And the familiar we hold onto?
Let it be Christ and Christ alone.

And so today I pray for my grandchildren .. Thank You, Lord, for the progress You bring in their lives. May they always realize how You are intricately involved in the details. On those days, when they attempt to hold onto the familiar, gently bring them to the point of bending their knees to You in obedience. Let Your voice and Your ways become familiar to them from a young age. May You be the One – the only One – they hold onto for comfort. For it is in Your Name we pray, Amen.

Today I am joining … Sharing His Beauty and Inspire Me Monday and #SmallWonder .