We have long used the phrase “she knows what she wants” about our youngest kiddo. From the age when she could first express distaste and earnest curiosity, it’s been clear that she has specific, refined preferences and will not be persuaded otherwise.
While this can often be frustrating when she insists on wearing the blue skirt that’s currently in the middle of the wash cycle while we are trying to get out the door on time, I must admit that I’ve always been a bit jealous of this characteristic (or skill?) that she has. It must feel so freeing and empowering to walk in the world with a sure confidence in what you want, what you like and how you plan to get it. Of course, while there’s a balance to be had (enter: parenting), for her to learn that she must be considerate of other people and possible implications of her desires; there is something precious to behold and even aspire to in someone naming their desire and pursuing it.
The feeling and experience of desire is a complicated one, that God wired us to feel alongside all our other emotions. I’ve often been told in a church context that as a human, my desires are sinful and dangerous and to be explored with caution and mostly set aside “for the sake of the Cross.” Just as a young child needs to learn how to reign in their inclinations out of consideration for the needs of others, we certainly ought to pursue a balance of engaging our desires while committing to whatever sacrifice God asks of us. But I’m not convinced that God is always asking us to perpetually withhold any and all pleasures.
God clearly made our bodies to savor a delicious meal, relish an intimate touch, and bask in the warmth of the sun. God’s intentional design for humans to seek the satisfaction of meaningful connection with each other and the thrill of accomplishing a hard earned feat must indicate some purpose for us to want, pursue, and then gain good things.
If this was God’s intention, then we ought to pay attention to our pangs of desire and interest, practicing curiosity about what those feelings might be telling us about ourselves. May we channel our inner five year old and unabashedly voice our hopes, dreams, wants and needs. And may we trust that the God who created us with the capacity to desire, also loves to lead us to the moments of glee and satisfaction in unwrapping the gifts he gives.
Matthew 7:7-10
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
About the Author
Britni is a quiet but fearless spirit who is earnestly seeking the beauty of the redemption that Jesus has personally determined for her life. Committed to the truth that listening breeds understanding and understanding results in compassion, she clings to the power of life’s stories. She has embarked on the venture of discovering her own story and lending an ear to the stories lived out in others and savors the trace of Jesus that is woven throughout them all. Currently, that journey has landed her in a balancing act between the role of wife, momma, and a mental health Care Coordinator.