November 4, 2009
It was a beautiful flowering vine that grew up the side of the carriage house and across the power lines to the house. It was a good indication of spring, when the leaves and the flowers began to burst open to signal a time of new life.
Anne loved that vine. She loved its beauty. She loved the life it signified. So it was with some dismay, one spring day, that she found the vine had died – entirely dead from one end to the other. Upon further examination to determine what had happened, she discovered the vine had been cut off at ground level.
We called David (6) and Benjamin (5) to a family meeting. When asked what happened to the vine, they matter-of-factly stated that they had cut off the vine.
“Why on earth would you do that? That was mommy’s vine!”
No particular reason, it was just something to do. So, we decided that this was a good time to teach them the concept of “restitution”. Because they destroyed something that was not theirs – it was mommy’s – they must make restitution to mommy. We determined that the restitution would be $5 each and they were told to go up to their piggy banks and bring down the money. (We knew that they did not have enough money in their piggy banks to cover the payment, so they would be required to “work off the debt”.)
They came down from their room with all the money they had in their banks, knowing that it was not enough. They were weeping deeply. They were devastated and afraid they would never have enough.
I found myself reflecting on their situation…
“All that they have, we have given them. All that they will receive, we will give to them. And, we will provide for all of their needs in the meantime. Why are they so afraid and devastated?”
That’s when I heard my Father say to me,
“Exactly, why are you so afraid when it comes to your finances? All that you have been given is from me. All that you will receive will come from me. And, I will take care of all your needs.”
Wow, I was looking at myself in the boys. My Father provides for all my needs. All that I have is from Him. All that I will receive is from Him. And, He delights to take care of my needs. What do I have to fear?
Indeed, what do we have to fear? Our Father loves us and will provide for all of our needs – it’s all from Him.
Philippians 4:19
“He will provide for all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
Strength and courage,
David