“The Terrible Twos” and My New Gray Hairs

Recently our merely two year old has entered into a new developmental phase in his life; the one known as “The Terrible Twos”. Out of our four children, I have never seen a case in our household this bad. The screaming, kicking, yelling and all out “NOOOO!” are an added bonus to the symptoms. Then comes the stomping of the feet in rapid succession, and running away from the situation. From a parent’s perspective, I believe whatever grey hairs I did not have already; he will gladly contribute to filling them in over my frustrations. From an outsider’s view, I can imagine the scene is quite humorous seeing a small one create such havoc in someone’s life.

We do this sometimes to God though don’t we? When we don’t get our way or when something tragic happens in our life that we don’t understand, we shake our fists at God, scream, kick, punch into the air, and yell at the top of our lungs “WHY!!!?” We even may stomp our feet saying, “I put my foot down God. No more.”, and in some cases we may not physically run away from God like Jonah did, instead, we turn away in our hearts.

Selfishness. It resides in the hearts of all of us who have not turned away from its deception. God didn’t put it there. It entered in when Adam and Eve chose to listen to the lies instead of trusting God at his word.

In my toddler’s case, selfishness rules his life, and unless mom and dad continue to intervene he will continue down the same path as the rest of the world living a lie that he is in control, and that his own desires must be met in order to be satisfied.

But God has called us to greater plans and a more beautiful life. Jesus says that if you want to live then you must die to yourself.

“For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” (Matthew 8:35-36)

Through our own selfish pride, we trap ourselves in worry, fear, anxiety, disobedience, discouragement, and other harmful means. Yet, God wants us to be free and that freedom comes when we let go of our selfish desires and turn towards him. Freedom comes when we surrender to the One who can give us life and life abundantly. Let go of your season of selfishness and surrender.