Watching my Father

My dad broke his leg earlier this summer and as a result has spent his time off his feet. He is now able to walk with the help of crutches and has gotten strong enough to mow the grass on the riding lawnmower. Dad loves to be outside and is probably the only person I know who says yard work makes him relaxed. He can also be seen on his big blue tractor cutting what we call the "front forty".

This week as I watched my dad work, I thought how happy he looked as he was getting the yard into shape. He took his time with it, knowing the task would yield a beautiful result. I had to resist the urge to help. I was worried it would be too much for him, given that he is only recently regaining his strength. I wanted to hurry him along and have him come back inside so as not to be too worn out from the heat.

Then I realized that I tend to do the same thing with my Heavenly Father. He is pruning and shaping me, knowing that the task would yield a beautiful result. But I try to hurry Him along. I worry. I think I can do the job myself. I try to take over.

I'm praying that I can remember these times of pruning are coming from a Father's love. That although it may be in the middle of the heat, this is the time that God is refining me. I pray that I may let the Lord, in His infinite wisdom, do the work in me that He needs to do...so I can become the person He wants me to be. For His glory alone.