Out of the mouth's of babes....

After a long 4 months, I lie down weary, tired, broken. I've worked all day to get to nap time, strategically planning every move. Breakfast from Chick-fil-A for the birthday girl, piano, chores, laundry, activity to wear out the little ones, and finally, nap time arrives. But for my little Benjiboy, eyes wide, no rest is needed. Why? Why on the perfectly planned days, the days when my eyelids droop so heavy, I try so hard, does this little one not rest? I scratch his back, I sing him songs. He pokes my eyes, tries to open my mouth, sticks his little foot on my face. Sigh. A long heavy sigh. Prayer. Please Lord, please make him sleepy. I spank to no avail. He's not going to settle. I pull him close, whisper words of love. I tell him God has great plans for him. He closes his eyes, shakes his little head knowingly, forms his lips to agree. I recite Jeremiah 29:11, saying each word slowly, intentionally. His eyes open and grow large. He says, "Um, I'm not gonna do that plan. I have a different plan. I gonna do that plan on Thursday." I hold back laughter bursting from the seams. "Oh, ok," I say, "Well, God still loves you very much." But the truth runs from the mouth of babes. God offers me His plan, one of love and promise, mercy and grace, suffering and peace, eternal promise, and I turn away. I have plans. My own plans. My own schedule to follow. How often, I rush into the day, a day He has given, I rush right past HIS plans, HIS schedule, to check my own. But oh, how He loves me. How He graciously guides me back into His will, gently reminding me how good it feels, how peaceful it feels to follow His plan.