With a crinkled brow and a frown upon her face, my two year-old niece stood, clutching her fists and her back against the door.

“Bella, come on,” I called.

She grunted loudly in response.  As I drew near to encourage her along, she stomped her right foot, as would a bull, a couple of times and dashed in the opposite direction.

Smiling at the scene that had just unfolded, I thought, “Isn’t this how we behave towards God sometimes?”  We may hear Him calling us down one trail in life, but selfishly, we start down another.  Why do we do this when His long-term plans for us are for the good?  It is due to our own humanness, and as a child disregards an adult’s calling, we may ignore our Lord’s guidance, seeking momentary, immediate pleasure and not the long-term peace of walking with Him. Therefore, whether it be now or later, following God’s calling will bring us the ultimate contentment and peace because, in the bigger scheme according to Philippians 2:13, “It is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”

God, in our selfish moments, give us the strength to listen to You instead of giving in to our own desires.  As Your children, remind us that Your plan will bring us the greatest fulfillment in the long run.  In Your holy name, Amen.