WHAT HAPPENS TO DEAD PRAYERS AND DISHWASHER F UPS?
‘I continue to pray for your love to grow and increase beyond measure, bringing you into the rich revelation of spiritual insight in all things.’ Philippians 1:9
When I first read this, it seems like a throw away prayer. You know the ones where your not really sure what to say to someone, so you say, “I’m praying for you.”
Well, this is ANYTHING but a throw away prayer. This was Paul utterly grateful for the Philippian church. If you were to read the verses before and after — you’ll see, the Philippians were very kind to Him.
I guess the question that comes to mind is — “who am I praying these types of prayers for?”
The other day, I got frustrated with Roscoe (my son, age 10) AGAIN. It was time to for us to load (my wife says packed — she’s 🇦🇺) the dish washer. Which, at the moment is a little tougher as we don’t have hot water in the house.
I was walking Roscoe through the process of how to load the dish washer (which we have done probably 10 times). The problem was he was not interested in doing it AT ALL.
In fact, it was like his mind “shut off”. When I asked him where the dishes are supposed to go, he just shrugged and said, “I don’t know?” At this point, I was HOT. I was like, “WHAT — YOU DON’T KNOW?”
Normally, this isn’t an issue. But for me, it is an issue. My mind could not fathom how he can be so f’n good at Fortnite or Football but can’t remember how to load a f’n dish washer?
My mind instantly went to thoughts like, “is he being lazy?” I tried to walk him through it slower — but it continued to frustrate me. “Am I the parent of a lazy child — is that the type of dad I want to be?”
Looking back — the self talk was really all about me.
It became more selfish than anything. The whole dishwasher debacle became all about me (and what kind of dad I am) and less about Roscoe. “I’m such an idiot sometimes”, I said to myself.
I got too caught up on what looked like “laziness” when in reality, he’s f’n 10.
He doesn’t care about the dish washer as much as he cares about Football or Fortnite. Therefore, the effort for him is given to things he loves. And, he doesn’t love the dishwasher. I mean — WHO really loves rinsing and loading a dishwasher? Answer — NOBODY!
I love this quote from Rich Wilkerson Jr the other day.
How true is this. Speaking of focus, later that day, Roscoe and I probably played way too much Battlefront 2 on Playstation 4. Why? Well, because of this tweet.
We have been focusing on leveling up in this game. And, we have been succeeding. Nothing like a good father — son duo. Our energy was flowing and we were crushing. Thanks Pastor Rich for the good word on THAT!
Ok, so back to why I lost it again on Roscoe.
And, for the record, this is a bad example. However, I find when I make a mistake — it’s really a chance to create a miracle. Turn your mistakes into miracles in WHATEVER you do. (Yah’ll need to highlight and share that.)
I love my son. Probably more than Paul loves the Philippian church. No offense Paul — but Roscoe is pretty dope. I’m going on record to say Yes Paul, I love my son more than you love the Philippian church. Debate me in heaven homie.
I pray for Roscoe and I would pray this same prayer over him. This prayer is powerful and amazing. If you continue to read the following verses — it speaks of “choosing the most excellent way of all”. If there is anything I want for my kids — it’s for them to have an “excellent” spirit. The opposite of anything apathetic.
If you continue to read this prayer it also speaks of “being filled with the fruits of righteousness.” Heck yah, I want all of that and then some. Load me the f up!
But what happened when I lost my cool on Roscoe?
I basically threw that prayer out the window. Because THAT prayer didn’t happen in 2.3 seconds — I didn’t think it happened.
I got scared that Roscoe would end up living in my house, without a job and playing video games all day. Ultimately, once again — this prayer became a selfish prayer. It became all about me and what “I” would have to deal with.
Bottom line for me is — I need to let God do “his thing”. I need to let Roscoe grow up — mistakes and all.
I think as much as Roscoe is making mistakes — it’s really teaching me more about how I respond to mistakes.
I mean, imagine God and our f ups? Geez. Most of the time I’m a full blown idiot — Yet, somehow, He still looks out for me. I don’t know how, nor could I comprehend — but He does.
And that’s what I shall leave you with today. When prayers don’t go the way you hope — how do you respond? When life shifts and your prayers seem to die, what do you do — what do you say?
There is no better than adversity. Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve your performance the next time. — Malcolm X
Let’s pray:
Jesus, help me to trust you even when prayers don’t go my way. Help me to work on my own patience and belief in you. I want to grow. I want to be better. Bring me what I need today — my daily bread. You are my source, creator and master of the future. My hope is in you. Amen.
