"Humph!"

       I am glad to see fathers and mothers appreciate the level of love and thoughtfulness most students put into gift projects. Sure, the teacher probably gives a little (or a lot!) of guidance, but I have begun to realize that even children inclined towards sloppiness on their spelling pages give careful thought to the right colors and the perfect paint job.

    Once there was a student that had worked very hard on a project. Trying to pretend that all the effort to make something turn out well wasn't a big deal, the child handed the gift to a parent. As the teacher watched, the recipient turned the gift over, looking at it from all angles, then asked, "What's this supposed to be?"  The child explained. After another cursory glance, "Humph!" was the only comment before the parent turned and walked away. 
    I'm not sure if it was a bad day or if this adult was just overtired, but I don't believe the pain on the child's face was ever noticed. There was no commendation made for the child's efforts, no simple thank you, nothing.
    We tend to dismiss God in the same way. He has planned our lives —and us—to perfection. How He created us was for a purpose. We grow tired of hearing that, "God doesn't make junk," because you and I are not happy with His gift. We feel like He doesn't care because He doesn't answer our prayers how we think He should. With a "Humph!" we dismiss His love and give ourselves room for offense and unbelief, thinking, albeit subconsciously, that because He isn't giving us what we want in life, we don't need to give Him total allegiance.
    We entirely overlook the love in His eyes. We forget that God's plan not matching our expectations is not an indicator of His lack of care for us. No matter how much pain goes into the creation of a child's gift it won't be perfect, but God doesn't have that problem. His plan for our circumstances and our refinement is always made in His perfection. 
    Although we do not have perfect understanding, we can get closer to grasping the concept by turning our hearts to the heart of God. As we draw nearer to the cross, crucifying our ideas and desires, we begin to catch a glimpse of the love in the eyes of the Man hanging on a tree. In learning to accept that love we will be able to find His loveliness no matter the circumstances. Our dislike for how we were created will start to wash away in a tide of thankfulness. 
    As I learn more about the true acceptance of His love, I want to stay near enough to Him that I cannot help but see the love in His face. I want to remember to give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever (Psalm 107:1). I want to learn to accept His great gifts without saying, "Humph."

Do you remember the saying, "God has three answers to prayer: yes, no, or wait?" My sister introduced me to the version below. No matter which of these answers I receive, I am reminded that He loves me.

God's 3 answers to your prayers:

1. Yes

2. Not Yet

3. I have something better in mind