By Dr. Brenda Pittman
While I was being escorted to the Medical Department in the prison where I work, a social worker named Ms. Lawana shared a story with me. She told of a visit to the park and how she had noticed a mom with her two children on the swings.
Ms. Lawana mentioned how one of the swings was green and it seemed to be a favorite among the children. So much so, that while one child was on the green swing, the other child panted for his turn. Then the mom said to the wanting child, “Five minutes and it will be your turn.” Then Ms. Lawana shared her spiritual perception of this. She wondered if God looked at the things we desire as “green swing issues.”
I liked that! We are so impatient, craving God to give us what we want, when we want it. We, like that child, fail to see the pleasure in the swing we have, all because of our strong desire to have the “green swing.”
Thus are our “green swing issues.” Can you see yourself whining over things when previously God has said to you, “Wait?” I can hear His Word saying in Hebrews 10:36, “For you have need of patience, that, after you have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.” God, like that mother, is not keeping the promise from you, but He has an appointed time to allow you to enjoy it.
We don’t want to get so stuck on our “green swing issues” that we neglect to appreciate the place God has brought us to. God, like that mother, has brought you to a place where you can enjoy yourself, laugh and run around. In this place, you can experience peace in an atmosphere and environment where everything is beautiful. This is a place where you can look around and see all the possibilities because He has given you richly all things to enjoy. God makes you lie down in green pastures and He leads you beside the still waters.
“Be still and know that I am God,” He says in Psalm 46:10. This will keep you from becoming anxious for the things God plans to give you anyway. There is an appointed time.
I can see that child, with the excitement and anticipation mounting, now getting a turn on the green swing. I am sure it is like the Word of God tells the believer in Isaiah 40:31, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
Can you see that mom picking that child up and putting him in the swing? Higher and higher he goes until his joy is full. Don’t let your “green swing issues” keep you from enjoying the flight.
Dr. Brenda Pittman is a regular columnist for The Christian Observer. She can be reached at 973-634-5905 for prayer or encouragement.
Awesome word! We indeed need to be careful that the “green swing issues” in our lives do not predominate in our thoughts or preoccupy our minds. The goal of the enemy is to distract us and keep us from completing the work that God has called for us to accomplish on this earth. It is good to know (and to be reminded) that patience is the rule and we must wait for God’s perfect timing in order to move in obedience and not out of our frustration.
Thank you Father for your subtle reminders in these modern day parables! Your name is to be praised for You know the plans for our lives. Equip us with the patience, steadfastness, and longsuffering that is required for us to see Your perfect will done in our lives. AMEN!
Blessed and Highly Favored,
Dr. Malissa
Author, NEXT LEVEL – Stepping Out of the Ordinary into the ExtraOrdinary
http://malissambarbosa.wordpress.com
What a wonderful, refreshing word! Thank you for this.
Yes, VERY refreshing!
Dr. Pittman is one of our regular columnists at The Christian Observer. I always enjoy her columns, but this one really blessed me. I immediately asked her permission to post it and she said, “Yes.” I pray that it blesses everyone who reads it.
How are you doing, my Sister?
Genikwa