Pleasing Him

This year, for the first time, Adam and Isaac, played an organized sport, Basketball.  They have battled chronic asthma all of their lives, so it was a huge deal for our family. They had such a good year.  They played hard, learned a lot, and were determined to come out on top of this asthma thing.  With the season being over, we can proudly say - Mission Accomplished!!

Last night we attended their basketball banquet.  We homeschool our kids, so it wasn’t the average sporting event.  They did mention how well the kids played the game and briefly mentioned star players who went above and beyond.  The best part of it though is they spent the entire evening giving awards for positive biblical character traits.  My boys received wonderful awards.  

Isaac - Sincerity vs. Hypocrisy - Eagerness to do what is right with transparent motives. 1 Peter 1:22

Adam - Joyfulness vs. Self-Pity - Not allowing unpleasant conditions to control my attitudes.  Psalm 16:11

When presenting them with the awards, the coach gave examples of their behavior to warrant them.  We felt the coach picked very appropriate traits for them.  We were so proud.  We try hard as parents to teach our kids how to behave as Jesus wants us too, but it is always wonderful to know that someone else sees these things in your kids and that your kids exhibit this kind of behavior when you aren’t always there watching. 

On the way home, of course, the boys were excited and talked a lot about their awards and the awards of their teammates.  They repeated all the stories and how appropriate they thought the awards were.  While listening to this I couldn’t help but think about Jesus and how He feels about us.  It’s our choice whether or not we do what our Father wants us to do just like it was Adam and Isaac’s choice.  

My first thought was how disappointed He must be when we make the wrong decisions or do the wrong thing, but He quickly stopped that line of thought.  He does want us to live obedient to His word, to strive to make good choices, but I was reminded of what a loving and forgiving Father He is.  I thought about the times my kids have been disobedient or done the wrong thing, was I disappointed in the behavior, yes, did I wish they had made a different choice, yes, but did it change how I feel about them, no, did I easily forgive them and love them all the more, yes!!

I then began to wonder about how pleased He must feel when He sees us doing His will.  When He sees us loving one another, when He sees us serving others, when He sees us making Godly decisions, when He sees us walking the walk and not just talking the talk.  How wonderful it will be to stand before Him one day and hear Him say how pleased He is with us.  (Gives me chills).

I pray that I always strive to be what He wants me to be.  To try in every area of my life to be obedient and pleasing to Him, and that when I make mistakes, I always come before Him with an apologetic and humble heart.

Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear.  For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.  Philippians 2:12-13

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!

Counting it all Joy!!

Angel