The Orange Dish

"I want some dry cereal for breakfast while I watch some cartoons," Max said.

As usual I went to the closet to get the orange bowl for him. I was about to pour the cereal when I heard his voice calling out from the living room, "I want the orange bowl, Mom!"

For a second I was a little annoyed. The same thing happens every morning. If he eats cereal, he wants the orange bowl. If he eats eggs, he wants the orange plate. In my mind I thought, "Why doesn't he get that I know what he wants. He doesn't have to ask for the orange dish. I already know he wants it."

As soon as I thought the words "I already know," my mind went to Jesus' words.

"But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or "What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all." (Mt. 6:30-32)

I don't think Jesus is saying that we shouldn't ask. I think he is saying don't frantically try to acquire what we need (even want). Don't worry about it. We don't have to try to remind God. God knows.

And instead of God being annoyed with me asking him over and over again for the things we need, he gently reminds me that he loves me so much more than the birds and the flowers. (I know for a fact that the birds are well taken care of because they are becoming rather plump in my back yard as they eat seeds and fallen pecans.)

Just like I know Max desires the orange dish, God often provides what I need even before I ask him for it. He is a good parent.

I don't know what you need today.

But don't forget:

God knows.