Many years ago, we were invited to a little boy’s birthday party. When it was time to eat, the parents had a seat ready for the birthday boy somewhere in the middle of the table, however, he wanted to sit at the head of the table. I wonder if he knew the head of the table is considered to be the place of honor. I don’t know, he was kind of young to be thinking about that. But for whatever reason it was obvious that he was displeased with the place his parents assigned for him at the table.
I watched as his mom and dad served him and his friends rushing back and forth from the kitchen to the dining room to get their food and drinks. I looked at the colorful balloons and at the “happy birthday” banner that decorated the room. There was a stack of presents waiting to be opened, cake and ice cream ready to be served, and everyone in the room was there to celebrate him. Yet, he was unhappy because of the place he had been assigned at the table.
Little kids are the best reflection of what we are like with God sometimes.
The thing is, his parents chose that seat for him strategically so he could be closer to all of his friends and not just to the ones sitting at one end of the table. It was also the best place to get the balloons and birthday banner in the pictures. As someone who doesn’t like to leave people out, and also as someone who appreciates a good photo, I understood what the parents were trying to do. They didn’t just randomly pick a place for the birthday boy, there was purpose and intentionality in that decision.
And so it is with God. When we are seeking His will for our lives, He strategically chooses where we need to sit and for how long. In the meantime, we need to keep our eyes focused on Him so we don’t miss His loving care and provision like that little boy missed his parents’ outpouring of love and attention for him in that moment.
If you’re not seated where you’d like to be, rest in knowing God knows best, and enjoy the party!
Your turn!
- In what area of your life do you feel like you are in the wrong seat?
- What’s keeping you from enjoying your position?
- Make a list of all the blessings surrounding that area of your life.
- How can you look for God’s fingerprints in this situation?
Photo by. Maria Lindsey – Pexels
