First Best

As of late, my toddler has had an intense fondness for spending time with his daddy. If daddy is home, mommy is second best. I do my best to try to include myself in their activities. Instead, my son quickly shuns me by pushing me away, or shouting, “No, No, Mommy!”.

To say this rejection hurts would be an understatement. I do know this is a normal behavior for a toddler to explore. But, he’s my first born, and he has certainly been a ‘Mama’s boy’ for so long.

I adore spending time with him, to be around his presence. It brings me great joy. Maybe it’s because I’m so used to the ‘stay-at-home’ lifestyle. Maybe it’s because he’s a part of me. But it’s most definitely, simply because I love him.

I imagine God knows these feelings all too well. I often find myself having an intense fondness for spending my time either trying to constantly acheive or by tending to useless affairs. I begin each day by tackling my daily chores, and I generally do not stop until they’re all done. I find myself frequently utilizing social media outlets. I browse many online shops and essentially waste time because I’m not intending to purchase anything anyway.

I came to the realization that when I wake for the day, God is often second (third, fourth, or even last) best. Most assuredly, God tries to include himself in my activities. He beckons me to show love by my words and actions. His Holy Spirit brings to my remembrance songs of praise or memorized scriptures. He even lays people on my heart and mind to encourage me to pray for them. Instead, I have shunned God by pushing Him, or those nudges, away. I shout, “No, No, God”, as if my work on Earth is more important than working for God’s kingdom.

I do not know for certain, but to say this rejection hurts God is probably an understatement. God knows the true heart of mankind is selfish at best. And He knows these affairs are “normal” behaviors for those that live in the world. But I am called His child, and I am certainly required to be set apart from the world and to be ‘Daddy’s girl’.

Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you. And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.- 2 Corinthians 6:17-18 (NLT) 

It’s true. God adores to spend time with me, to be around my presence. He asks for the same in return. “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.”- John 15:5 (NLT)

It does indeed bring Him great joy. “I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!”- John 15:11 (NLT) 

Maybe it’s because that’s the lifestyle He initially intended me to have. Maybe it’s because I am a part of Him, made in His image. (Genesis 1:26-27). But it’s most definitely, simply because He loves me.  “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love.”- John 15:9 (NLT)

With this in mind, I seek a heart change. One that can shun those so-called acheivements or useless affairs. One that places God back in His rightful position. I have declared that I allowed God to make His home in my heart, and He should always be first best.

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“Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.”- James 4:8 (NLT)