Just the Right Size

"But Mommy, I'm too little to do that!"

This phrase has been on the frequently-said list in the Borne household. It goes something like this:

"Hey Olivia, I need you to help me with __________."
"But I'm too little to do that!"

This scene and phrase have been so overplayed and overused that I can see it coming before it even begins. My X-ray Mama vision sees through her excuse, and that an honest answer would be: "Mom, I just don't want to do what you're asking." But no, my little lady, with her sinful nature inherited from Adam and her Mama, chooses to try the sneaky way out of not doing what she's told.

To combat the "I'm too little" phrase, I've reached into my Mary Poppins bag of diffusing responses, and have begun to tell her: "Olivia, you are exactly the right size to obey." When I first whipped out this gem, she was not pleased. I could tell by the dismayed look on her face, that I had just taken away her biggest gun. I had laid bare the fact that I wasn't expecting too much of her. Bummer, dude.

The idea that she is incapable of doing whatever I might ask, makes it seem like I'm asking too much of her.
But I'm not.
Because I know her.
I've been with her since Day 1, and know exactly what's within her power to accomplish.
She's too short to reach the light switch, but perfectly able to sort out silverware into the utensil drawer. She's not strong enough to tote a full laundry basket, but she can help fold towels. The fact is that I'm her Mama, and I love her, so I'm not going to frustrate her with things beyond her ability.

Seeing Olivia struggle with her sin nature is a revealing mirror into my own struggles. There are days when my flesh throws out the "I'm too little to's", obedience is scarce, and excuses grow:
- But I don't want to do the dishes today.
- I don't feel like cooking a big meal.
- One of my girls needs correction, but I'm too tired to offer faithful, loving correction.
- I've had a hard day, so MY needs should come before I consider Andrew's.
- I'm too busy to read my Bible today.
- I'll pray later when my mind is clear. In twenty years.

When I give it an honest shake, my list of can't/don't wanna's aren't any different from Olivia's. Just give em' a few years, and we're in the same boat. A sinking boat if we aren't led by the Spirit.

The TRUTH is this:
The things I may complain about are NOT outside of my ability. The things the Lord asks of me aren't too much. They aren't too hard. They aren't too big. They are all within my grasp. He's been with me from Day 1, and knows exactly what I can do. And evidently that's a lot, because I can do all things through Christ, Who gives me strength.

The delightful job I have is to obey. He gives me grace and strength to do the things I may feel too tired, or too small to accomplish. Because of Him, I am just the right size to obey. And if you know Jesus, you are, too.