Our friends, David and Cathy Peake, have two very strong-willed children. This week they shared with me how difficult it is not to laugh when the kids are being oppositional and defiant. As I think about it, perhaps that is sometimes the best response. It is rather funny to see a toddler puff up and defy one that could so easily squash him. Even God laughs at the nations in their self-importance and scheming. We do well not taking ourselves or others too seriously.

Parents need not be threatened by a youngster’s display of strength. It is crucial that self-will be affirmed and blessed. The ability to assert strong desire and give full vent to emotion in relationships is a powerful and needed skill. What a blessing it is for parents to be strong and sturdy enough to stay calm and present for the fit or tantrum without yielding to the child’s demands! God, our loving parent, gives us the right to have feelings and desires. He welcomes them without judgment. At the same time, they will not manipulate him. As we fall on Him in our passion, we are broken. But if He fell on us we would be crushed.

I grieve that I did not find my voice as a child. How many small children are crushed when they voice displeasure or assert their will and want? God help us refrain from rushing in to tell others they are wrong to feel as they do or bad to wish for what they desire. Judgment kills and condemnation crushes the soul. But God’s acceptance and loving restraint brings brokenness. Grief that is honored and engaged leads eventually to acceptance. If, like Job, we empty our bowl of grief with God, we find He is still for us, He is still with us. Even when He does not answer our demands, He blesses our souls.

At this time of Passover, remember Jesus – taking the bread, then blessing, breaking and giving it. The bread is His body, as we are His body. He has taken us, blessed us, broken and given us.

Blessing before breaking…