An atheist's convicting declaration

I read this story about a week ago, while lying on the couch with my broken foot propped. The advantage of needing to rest is that there is lots of time to READ! I read the following, which impacted me greatly. This account is in "Created to be God's friend" by Henry Blackaby.

Blackaby tells a story about a preacher who was speaking with an atheist. The atheist explained why he was not a Christian. He said that if he truly believed, as Christians say they believe, that everyone must face eternity and give account for how they lived, and that Jesus in His death and resurrection was the only way to God, and that all who do not receive Christ's provision would die in their sins and spend eternity in hell- then, he said, he would not rest day or night from warning everyone and urging them to respond to Christ. But, he continued, when I see the way most Christians live, I am totally convinced that what they say they believe is not true.

This declaration of an atheist is quite convicting. I find myself wrapped up in the daily tasks of raising kids and maintaining a home that I tend to lose sight of eternity. My husband is good for me regarding this. He always has a sense of urgency in everything he does, with his eyes on eternal worth. After going to bed last night, we talked for almost an hour about this. Our conclusion was this: we must not turn back, press forward, and improve, with God giving us the strength.

Taco Stress

Our family loves tacos and burritoes. We eat them about once a week. I prepare Rosa's taco for her before I make my own. And every time, without fail, Rosa stresses out.

I start by spreading the beans on her tortilla. My hand is reaching for the spoon in the bowl of taco meat. And the panic begins.

"But Mommy, what about cheese? Don't forget the cheese. Oh, and the sour cream. Oh Mommy! I still need tomatoes!"

I can't believe we are going through this again. I begin giving her my normal little speech.

"Rosa, I always give you everything you need. Just be patient and you will have everything. Don't I always take care of you?"

She nods her little head. Then calms down and waits for me to finish preparing her dinner how she likes it. So the drama is over. For that day. But next week, when we eat tacos again, we will go through the same thing again. And I think, will she ever learn? Why does she doubt that I will take care of her?

And then it hits me. Don't I do the same thing with God, repeatedly? I worry and doubt Him, and He continuously meets my needs. And I breathe a sigh of relief. Then the next struggle comes, and I stress and panic all over again. He again takes care of me. This has been going on all throughout my life as a believer, which is over twenty years.

Can I be hard on my little four year old, since this is a lesson she still hasn't learned? Considering the fact that I STILL have not learned this lesson myself. This is an opportunity for me to continue teaching her. Just like God continues to teach me.