One of the most challenging parts of being a parent is trying to get your children out of the house. It can be to go to the store, or it can be to play outside. The colder weather exacerbates this problem because going out requires a few more layers of clothes or possibly a whole new wardrobe. They need jackets and coats or socks and boots. Every article of clothing is met with rejection or hesitancy. First comes the complaining, then the stalling, then bargaining—and finally, they realize that they must put on some warmer clothes before they go outside. Our snowfall last week allowed for a good day to go sledding or, at the very least, attempt to find a good hill that wouldn’t destroy our kids with the first crash. That morning was the same as every morning. As soon as I told them it was time to get ready, they scoffed and protested at the thought of going outside. “It’s too hard to put on my boots!” “Why do I have to wear snow pants?” “My gloves don’t work, right.” (Wearing gloves is a common complaint from Cooper, who does not like wearing gloves and pulls them off every chance he gets.) They don’t like putting on their snow clothes not because they don’t want to be outside; but because it requires them to stop playing and, for a moment, do something that can be difficult for a three- or five-year-old.
Yet, with coaching and help, we eventually made it outside and found some decent sledding hills to take advantage of on this wintry day. And you know what? Dear old dad was right, and after a while, they were having a wonderful time! They were playing and diving into the snow, tumbling around, and to their surprise, they weren’t cold or wet, which extended the amount of time they were playing. The winter gear they had whined about and objected to had done its job and protected them from the elements. And the next time I said we were going to play outside, they gladly put on the clothes that would keep them warm and dry.
We could say the same thing about the wisdom that God presents to us. We may not always see the wisdom God offers to us initially. However, the Bible reveals that following God’s word benefits us more than we know. We may scoff or complain. We may be hesitant to trust His will fully, but like wearing winter gear, it safeguards us from the hazards around us. Look at this wisdom shared by Solomon in the book of Proverbs.
Proverbs 3:1-8 –
“My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, 2 for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity.
3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.
8 This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.”
At first glance, this passage presents a picture of peace, prosperity, and favor from God and humanity. Why wouldn’t anyone lean upon and learn from God? Why would there be any hesitancy to fear the Lord and shun evil? Why would they reject wisdom? The reason is it may make you uncomfortable, or it may even require momentary effort. The most challenging portion of this passage is that you must submit to God. You must admit that you don’t have all the answers. You cannot be “wise in your own eyes.” And for many people, that is terrifying. Yet, if we trust in Him, if we lean on Him, and if we submit to Him… He will bless us in more profound and pleasing ways than we could have accomplished on our own.
Sure, putting on some extra layers or wearing oversized boots might be uncomfortable. But it will benefit us in the long run. We might believe it is better to do things our way, but God has a much bigger and better plan for us if only we stop and listen to His wisdom. And if we heed His instruction, we will not be disappointed.