Daily Devotion for May 9, 2006

Potty Training for the Soul

 

“So Noah did exactly as the Lord had commanded him.” Genesis 7:5

 

I find it almost impossible to imagine such direct and detailed communications from God as Noah received. I chalk that up to all the noise in us and around us today. But we do still have receivers built in, for “hearing” the voice of God and for taking action when called. Sadly, I believe it’s possible to get all the way through a long and busy life without hearing that voice.

 

 I think it begins to speak with us in a way that resembles the process necessary for effective potty training. Prior to early successes in this field, a toddler doesn’t “hear” his or her body talking about what needs to happen. It just happens and then he or she is dependent on someone else to clean up the mess. I can’t say that I remember how the process felt but having watched four kids go through it now; I think the first level of recognition comes when the messy diaper starts to relate to what has just taken place inside it. The child gradually realizes “Ewwww. That doesn’t feel (or smell) very good. I think I must have done that!”

 

 In stages, the child becomes more aware of how making the mess feels and finally of how needing to make the mess feels. Then and there lies the opportunity to avoid that “Ewwww.” Of course it’s even more complicated than that. Most children think they’ve got it under control when they realize there’s a reason why one form of mess making is called “number one” and another “number two.” Back to work they go.

 

 Sometimes we follow God’s plan for us without really considering it, just by blessed good fortune, by Grace. When that happens, we might notice how it feels. Maybe then we start to see how we get that good, clean, right feeling of alignment with God and eventually – with faith and persistence – we begin to find the opportunities God places before us, to act in His will. In a perfect world, this process would be as near universal as potty training!

 

Prayer
Dear God, Please help us avoid acting in ways that make us look at what we have done and say, “Ewwww,” but instead allow us to feel good because we are living and acting in Your Holy Will. I pledge my faith to listen for the voice that tells me it’s time to act. I know that voice, Your voice, will speak to me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

 

 

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Tim Hetzner - President - Lutheran Church Charities
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