Wouldn't it be nice?

I've watched the 'Staples' commercials multiple times. The button is pushed for whatever office supplies are needed and 'POOF!!' the supplies are instantly falling from the sky. Oh how I wish I could use that 'Easy Button' for so many, many things (not office supplies) in my life today.

This last month has been a hectic one; both mentally and emotionally all with facing brand new experiences that we've never come across before. Last week my family found my nephew via the Internet. After several years that my brother passed away his ex-wife wouldn't allow us to be part of my his son's life. We not only lost our brother, but also our nephew since we weren't allowed to stay connected with him. Wouldn't it be nice to have had a decent relationship with my brother's ex to prevent such a loss of staying in touch with our nephew? Wouldn't it have been nice if we could push the 'Easy Button' to get back all those years we lost instead of trying to play 'catch up' with him now? Last night my family got some heavy, surprising news. News that brings both fear and joy, worry and concern, yet also anticipation and excitement. It's something that you wouldn't ask to happen but when you know it's already there and that there's not anything you can do to change it, you then look at the positive, exciting, and joyful side of this news; the news that a new life will be entering this world; a new baby. But it's not me that's pregnant, but a young relative of mine, still in high school. Yes, she's expecting and her emotions are uncertain, yet as a family we vow to be there for her, to be at her side and be a huge support team for whatever she may need. But I couldn't help but wonder about the facts; how life will no doubt bring her new challenges. How will she handle labor and delivery at such a young age? Will she finish school and go off to college? I couldn't help but wonder if she pushed the 'Easy Button' what she would request.

So last night I sat and wondered...I began wondering about the simple things in my life; 'Hmmmm...What would I push the 'Easy Button' for in my current home life status?' I began to think of a mountain of things; college degree complete-click, push the 'Easy Button', my upper arms in better, firmer shape-click, push the 'Easy Button', my laundry never piling up EVER and that clothes would just automatically always stay clean-click, push the 'Easy Button', being a Bobby Flay type of professional cook for my husband and kids to have awesome dinners-click, push the 'Easy Button' and Bobby Flay is workin' in my kitchen.But then I began to think..... Having the 'Easy Button' would just take away so much from God's perfect plan, even on the most simple things. And especially on the most difficult ones. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Even in the case of my nephew and the disappointment over what happened with that situation for years, the fact that there is now a new door that has flung open is a start. God already knew this in advance. Whose to say that He did not use the absence of us in his life as a protection for us or even him? Often times there are things we simply don't know, but God does. The Bible states that God works in mysterious ways and to trust in Him with all our heart. "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; but in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your path." Proverbs 3:5 He is the Alpha and Omega, who sees all and hears all, and knows everything to the finest details in advance. I do not. I have to trust Him COMPLETELY knowing that the 'brush off' with my nephew was meant for a reason even if I never learn what that reason was. I can't waste time wondering about it; there would be no benefit to this. The same thing is true for this young pregnant soon to be mother, who herself is saved by God's loving grace. Though things happen for all different kinds of reasons, we as followers of His have to believe that everything will be used for his purpose, including this baby that will be born. I believe that this baby will be surrounded by tons of family who are saved and who serve Jesus daily so that this child will be brought up in a world of love and superb self confidence and that by our examples and teaching to this child, he/she too will chose Jesus in their own heart one day. "Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6 "And we know that all things work for the good of those who love Him, and who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28 After sitting up late last night reflecting on all the recent news we've been hit with, I finally settled in my mind "No. No, 'Easy Button' for me because than this will mean I am not fully trusting in Him and I don't want that. No, no, no....I want to trust You Lord to write my story and the story of those around me, whatever that may be." Now when I see those 'Staples' commercials with the 'Easy Button', sure I think how awesome of a fantasy it would be to have it at least for laundry and cooking purposes, but overall, I wouldn't want the 'Easy Button'. I want to accept the things God places in my life even if it means struggles are attached to it. See, even with these struggles that come along the way I don't want to miss out on the lessons, because with these lessons bring practice, coaching, pruning, and perfecting to be what He ultimately calls for me to be and for those around me. So I don't know about you, but for me I prefer the 'Jesus Button'.