No Substitutes

The Internet Cafe is welcoming Kristen Shockley today!
We are

I pivoted on my heels, turning to gather food for bedtime snacks and careful not to upset Benjamin who was camped out at my ankles. The routine was the same as many evenings past, but this night, he whimpered and reached. I stepped around him to grab a block of cheese. He crawled after me and I gingerly closed the refrigerator door, tiptoeing over him to pull crackers from the cabinet.



As I arranged the napkins and cups of water on the counter, Benjamin continued to rub his head against my legs to remind me of his presence. I considered picking him up and continuing my task with one arm…but then my attention would be divided between snacks and baby care. I knew he was okay and if he could wait the few minutes until I was done, the rewards would be better.



My husband, Brian was watching nearby. After settling the older children around the table, he knelt down with extended arms to the little guy at my feet. Brian was offering immediate comfort while I busily finished the food prep. Benjamin considered the proposition, then turned from him and continued to gaze up at me. Brian commented, "He would rather sit at your feet than accept a substitute!"


And a picture formed in my mind...


Should not I be as Benjamin?

Should not I be determined to wait for the One who has everything I need?

Why is it so easy for me to be distracted, to turn from the One knows me, who created me… and accept the comforts of now? The world is waiting, with arms open wide, enticing me with what it thinks I want, right now.



But if I have the patience to wait, my Lord offers so much more! "I seek you with all my heart...my soul is consumed with longing." Psalm 119:10, 20 NIV



I continued my dance around the kitchen floor, two steps here, three steps there, carefully avoiding my waiting boy. And as the “thank you, Mamas” echoed around the table and snacks were consumed, I tenderly scooped up my Benjamin. I kissed his head as he buried it in my shoulder. I wiped his cheeks as the last few tears spilled from his eyes.



Lord, give me the patience and tenacity of Benjamin. Help me to wait at Your feet. Even when the world offers a quick answer, let me accept Your timing, knowing You hold everything I need.



May we all be as Benjamin. Accepting no substitutes. Waiting at the feet of Jesus, desperate for Him.


Gazing, yearning...



Kristin


Kristin has been married to Brian, her best friend, confidant, and inspiration, for eight years and has four children who are continually teaching her in the little moments. You can visit her at http://from-my-life.blogspot.com.