Our cable company has an on-demand station for preschool shows.
Horrible idea, really.
“Mommy, can I watch Team Umizoomi?” My three-year-old settled on the couch with a pillow in her armpit and a bowl of crackers on her lap. “I want the one about the teddy bears.”
“Sure, sweetheart, you can have a little quiet TV time while I make dinner.” I aimed the remote at the flat screen and punched buttons until the Nick, Jr. episode list appeared. “Let’s see, Team Umizoomi—your choices are Dragon, Penguins, Snow Day, and Treasure. Which one do you want?”
“No, Mom, I want the one about the teddy bears.”
“The teddy bears, hmmm. . . .” I scanned the program descriptions—nothing remotely related to teddy bears. “Sweetie, there’s not a show about teddy bears on this list. Are you sure you mean Team Umizoomi? Maybe you’re thinking Little Einsteins.”
“No, Mommy! I saw it! Team Umizoomi with the teddy bears!”
“When did you see it?”
“With Daddy! Last night!”
Ah. “Sweetheart, then you must’ve seen that show on live TV. I can’t get that one right now. We can only pick from these four episodes in the list. Dragon, Penguins, Snow Day, and Treasure. Which one do you want?”
“Grrrrr! Teddy bears!” She scowled and crossed her arms over her chest. Bless her. It’s not her fault she’s growing up in a world of instant technology. Before she was even speaking full sentences, my daughter could commandeer an iPad like I use a pencil. However, the poor babe isn’t old enough to understand technology has limitations and her mother is not magic. I can’t conjure up any old TV show in the universe with the click of a button.
And yet—I ask God to do the same thing.
“Please, Lord, can I have blessing X? I really, really, really want to see X today.”
I’m sorry, my child. That blessing isn’t on your program list at this time.
“But God! No fair! I know X exists because I’ve seen it before! Why can’t I have it right now?”
Because I have something else in mind for you, child. Your choices are A, B, C and D. Which one do you want? You can even have all four. Just not X. Not today.
“Grrrrr! I want X!!!! You’re the God of the universe, for crying out loud! You can give me X if you want to! Come on!”
No, my love. It doesn’t work that way. I give you what you need, when you need it. If you knew what I know, you wouldn’t be asking for X today. Do you trust me?
{Sigh.} “Yes. I trust you. But I don’t understand. Why isn’t X on my list?”
And the Lord of all creation chuckles.
Sweetie, since when do you think it’s your job to understand?
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight,” (Proverbs 3:5–6).
The next time you throw a tantrum because God didn’t give you access to your heart’s desire, consider those verses. And let’s be grateful that a perfect, all-knowing, always compassionate, super-loving God is in control of our program options at all times.
Later that day, after dinner dishes were stacked and the kids had their bath, my three-year-old asked to watch TV again.
“I have a better idea,” I said. “Let’s read some books.”
“Okay!” Her face brightened. “I want the one about the bunnies.”
“Um, that was a library book, sweetie. We returned it yesterday.”
“But I want it!”
Heaven help me. Here we go again.
Linking up with: The Better Mom, Playdates With God, Momma Notes, Titus 2sdays, Wedded Wednesday, Grace at Home, Thriving Thursdays and Things I Can’t Say.
I love this one!! And it is so true!
Remember that old cable channel box we used to have? The one that was hooked up to the TV and made zipper sounds when you moved from channel 1 to 30? My, how my children are growing up in a different era. Love you, Mom!
Haha, so true! I remember how hard it was to describe the programming differences to my boys.
Toddlers (and mommies) are so strong-willed!
Mommies are for sure, Erica. 🙂
This is so perfect today, Becky. My “grown-up” tantrums are more weepy and poor-me than outwardly defiant. But they are disobedient and untrusting just the same. Thanks for breaking up my pity-party with this much-needed reminder. 😉 Blessings!
Kendra, I have those pity-parties, too. Thankfully God has more patience for us than I do. Let’s receive his grace!
Oh, your girlie makes me smile. I think she’s got some of her mama’s spunk. And, um, yeah.. those library books? At least you return them BEFORE you lose them. Happy Monday, friend.
Ha ha! Not always, my friend. We’ve been known to search the house for many a missing library book. Hugs to you!
Your ending made me giggle!
I know I’ve had a few tantrums at God for not giving me what I want right now. I think my problem stems from knowing all is within His power. So, unlike the remote that can only do so much, He can do all things, so I have a harder time understanding.
AMEN to this!! That is one of my favorite scriptures!!! We MUST trust that He knows best… always. 🙂