It has been a long time since I have written anything. Tonight I am overwhelmed with the desire to write about the Goodness of God. Today, we celebrated my daughter's 11th birthday. I can't help but feel as though she is quite possibly the best example of God's goodness.
During the Spring I taught a bible study class called Spirit Girls. It was designed to teach 4th and 5th grade girls about the Fruits of the Spirit. (Galations 5: 22-23) I felt as though I was equipped to teach this class. I had worked in a private Christian school that focused on character education using the fruits of the spirit. However, there is always room for learning when God is involved. As I prepared the week we would spend on God's Goodness, I learned a few things.
Kindness and Goodness are similar. They have a major difference. Goodness, is defined as a deliberate choice to do right, a firm persistence to follow only good. Kindness is treating people with respect and being polite and mannerly. The goodness of God is being able to tell someone TRUTH in love and stand firm, even when that TRUTH is hard.
As I pondered this, I realize that, this is precisely why God gives children (for some maybe its your spouse). This gift is given so you can experience TRUTH in love. You see kids, especially young ones, have truth, and they don't mind blurting it out. As I think about celebrating my daughter, I think of the sweet truths she has utter to me. Mom, you are too old to...... or mom, you should change, I don't think that fits. Mom remember when you said....... well can I say that now, because I feel that word coming on. The truth is, my daughter doesn't miss a thing, she sees all the good, the bad, and the ugly. She has a way of giving truth. Sometimes that truth hurts, and sometimes it is so profound, that it can only be at the prompting of the Holy Spirit, shaping me to be a better mom.
She is not only filled with Truth, but she is filled with love. I had no idea when God gave me her that things were going to change the way they did. I was afraid. I was afraid to have a baby. As a type 1 diabetic for 20+ years at the time, I just knew what would happen. I had seen, Steel Magnolia's, I knew a baby would wreck my body and leave me needing a new kidney. God says, "I did not give you a spirit of fear!" (2 Timothy 1:6-7) He gave me a baby and he did change my body. Only instead of wrecking it, he expanded it, literally. It was not just expanding my belly and feet, but it was my heart that grew. You see, God's goodness opened my heart. He filled this new space with a sweet dimpled smile, bright sparkly eyes, and a giggle that I call my favorite song. As her personality grows, I see that she loves people deeply. When she says she is praying for you, you can count on her to pray. He showed me through His gift in her, that love can be much deeper and wider than I had ever dared to love or imagine. He whispers, my love for you is greater than this. His love for her is greater than mine. If that is not goodness, I don't know what is.
If you want to see God's goodness, take a look at your kids (or maybe your spouse). Look around for the person brave enough to tell you the truth, even when the outfit doesn't fit, or the words aren't right. Look around for the person who loves even when the outfit doesn't fit or the words aren't right. I think God's goodness is all around us, we just need to be brave enough to see it, accept it, and give it back. I think God's goodness is right in our families, so don't miss it!
This is my mindset, now let me hear yours!
