MORAL OF THE STORY:

“The life of faith is not a life of mounting up with wings, but a life of walking and not fainting Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the One who is leading.”

— Oswald Chambers

“Mom, I really need a cell phone,” the young boy said. “All my friends have them, and that’s the only way I can know what’s going on and the only way to let you know what I’m doing, and you want to know that, so, you really need me to have a cell phone too.”

I glanced at the mother who looked tired by the conversation, clearly one of many when her son showed his persuasive skills.

I remember the challenges of explaining to our girls when they were growing up the difference between needing something and wanting something.

Those conversations included the phrase, “You think you need a (fill in the blank, it could have been a cookie, a dress or a car), but it’s really just something that you want, and there is an important difference.”

We’d then talk about God providing what we need, which isn’t the same as giving us what we want.

God has been reminding me of that truth recently as I deal with the loss of our daughter Amy.

I recently put our granddaughter Aubrey to bed, and after reading to her, she whimpered a little and asked for her mommy first and then for her daddy.

After each request I said, “Sweetheart, they’re not here, but I’m here. I love you, I’ll hold you and sing to you, and I’m taking care of you.”

Aubrey relaxed, put her head down and snuggled with me while I rocked and sang to her. She knows I love her, and she tells me she “wuvs” me.

In a similar way, God continues to show me He provides just what I need, even if it’s different from what I want.

He is here with me, He is taking care of me, and He “wuvs” me.

And you can quote me on that.

CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON is a Newport Beach resident who speaks frequently to parenting groups. She may be reached at [email protected] or 537 Newport Center Drive, Box 505, Newport Beach, CA 92660.