Psalm 43:5 Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God.
"No, no, No-No," Hannah (then 2) barked at her baby doll.
"Why do you keep telling your doll no, honey?"
"Her name is No-No, Mommy. I'm telling her 'no, no' just like you tell me."
I shrank a little inside. Could the sum total of my parenting be "no"? When I envisioned myself as a parent, I pictured a fun parent who enjoyed cartoons, playtime and silly songs. My heart said yes. My mouth said no.
Do you ever feel like your relationship with God is one big "no"? I can relate. Sometimes I let myself get mired down in religion - following made up rules, to be accepted by unpleasable people.
Yesterday someone imposed their narrow views on my husband. As his wife, I felt hurt, angered and attacked. Then I remembered the "no-no" snapshot in time. That day I decided to be a "yes" mom not just in my heart but in my actions.
I don't have to notice everything my kids do wrong. I don't need to correct every slip of manners or the tongue. I can choose when to correct, when to counsel and when to give grace.
Religion is a "no-no", downcast and disturbed life. Relationship is a "yes-yes", filled with hope life. In close fellowship with Christ, there is freedom and grace.
Jesus, today I dance to Your rhythm of grace. I sway looking into Your eyes. Keep me focused on You and not the purveyors of rules who dance around me. Let this former "no-no" become a "yes-yes" in Your arms.
