Let's Pretend

So yesterday we actually spent the day at home. Well at least ML and I did. Spencer still has school until June 6. He is getting really tired. We are definitely ready for summer!

While Spencer was at school, ML and I got to play. I was moved to first position since our neighbor is out of town. Her "best friend" wasn't available, so I would have to do.

You have to understand that when you play with Mary Lyndsey... it always has to be her way. 

I can't imagine where she gets that from ;)  She decides the game and it's usually some type of pretend game.

I am usually given some animal, told what it is, what it's name is, and what it is supposed to do or say. I always find this very interesting because sometimes I am given a rabbit and told it's a horse. The weird thing is, she has a toy horse... so why use a rabbit? Why not just use the horse? 

Then, when I try to start making up part of the game on my own or play the game the way I think it should go, I always get corrected and told "No Mommy, you're not supposed to say that. You are supposed to say and do this." I have to follow her plan exactly... only I don't know what her plan is until the very moment I am supposed to do it. Sometimes it can be frustrating.

I asked her about her method of play yesterday... why she she used the rabbit if she needed a horse and she had a horse, and why I had to do and say everything exactly the way she wanted. I was trying to teach her a lesson about how to play with friends. I think I'm the one who got the lesson. 

"He doesn't think he's a horse Mommy but he really is. He just doesn't know it yet. And I know what I want to play, you just don't know it yet, but just trust me, I promise it's going to be really great. Just do what I tell you."

These were actually the exact words that came out of her mouth. I started to argue with her about how that's not the way friends like to play, and how she should give everyone a turn to decide what to play and what to say.  I decided however after some thought, that once again God might be using my four year old to speak to me. 

Just like Mary Lyndsey had a plan for the way she wanted the game to go, God has a plan for me. God doesn't see me for what I am, but for what I can be... for what He has planned for me. (I think I'm a rabbit... but really I'm a horse) Sometimes I just don't know the plan yet. I have to trust Him and what He wants to do with my game of life. If I would just learn to be patient and do what He says to do when He says to do it... He promises it will be really great. 

Proverbs 16:9 In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.

Proverbs 19:21 Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.

Jeremiah 29:11 "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."

Isaiah 55:8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.

Lord, I am so glad you see me for what I can be, for what you have planned for me. Even when I'm not sure of myself, you are sure of me and you can use me to accomplish what you have purposed.  Help me to set aside my plans for yours and to trust you each step of the way.