You get what you get...

Didn't you completely hate it when your mother used the phrase "you get what you get and you don't throw a fit"? Man, it was always the perfect reminder that life isn't fair, and that getting your way at that moment, wouldn't really make the situation any better.

Today, at work, I had a 5 year old in my program throw the biggest fit I think I've ever witnessed in my entire life. He was sitting on the floor and one of my staff asked him to get up and sit on his chair just like everyone else. Then he decided the best thing to do would be to throw himself back on the ground and scream. This was only the beginning. The fit lasted for well over an hour, screaming and crying at every word that was said to him. When his dad came to pick him up, he wanted to ask me if he earned any stickers for the day. I told him that he didn't because we had a rough day and he threw himself on the floor again. His dad picked him up, laid him over his knee, gave him two good spankings, and dismissed him to the car. On his way out, Aedan said, "thanks a lot for getting me in trouble, Miss Emily!"

At that moment, my heart sank into my stomach. At first, I felt bad for getting Aedan in trouble. But then I didn't, because it was fair that he got in trouble. It was fair that he was punished for making the first couple hours of work seem like an entire week for me and my staff. It was fair that his dad said he had to go to bed early tonight.

How often should I get that punishment? Not having my dad spank me, but for God to send me to bed without supper? How many times have I gone against what I know is right, but decided to take matters into my own hand. How many times have I thrown a fit because I didn't get my way. No one ever said life would be fair or easy. But how many times have I messed up and God picks me up off the floor, embraces me, and whispers "My beloved, welcome home".

I don't know, maybe next time instead of throwing a fit , I should step back and allow God to direct and guide me. You get what you get and you don't throw a fit. I hope this finds you having an awesome start to your week! I love you all more than you know!
Forever His,
EmilyJo