I really hate having to repeat myself. The irony is that I’ve probably said this before. We have four kiddos, and they are all a bit different – as they should be. We have kiddos that will look you in the eyes and as you give instructions, you can see the glaze-over. They’ve checked out. Other kiddos will receive the detailed instructions but as they walk away, we already know that some of it didn’t quite get caught. But we’re all learning. Each day we improve on how we’re instructing, and they improve on how they’re receiving our instructions.
Being repetitive does have its benefits. While it rubs me wrong to have to repeat myself, repetition in some areas often leads to learning. My husband is in construction and believe it or not, most people in the trade do not merely hit a nail once to drive it in. Okay, so most in his profession (including him) use power tools, but you get the point. Using a hammer to drive a nail in, the nail is usually hit over and over until it’s flush with the surface you’re driving it in to. We have a few sayings that are the nails that we’re driving in to place.
One of the sayings is Teamwork makes the dream work (attributed to John C. Maxwell). Another is The right thing at the wrong time is the wrong thing (Joshua Harris). I see the truth in this one, but I still struggle with it at times. The other one that we seem to have on repeat, at least lately, are the words There is a difference between a want and a need.
We’ll be walking through the store – any store, take your pick – and at least one of the gazillion kiddos we have will state that we need something. It might be something like granola or frozen blueberries… something we use fairly regularly. I’m usually the one doing the shopping, and I typically reply with Is this a need or a want? Both of those things I used as an example – granola and frozen blueberries – are regularly consumed for breakfast. They aren’t considered treats or even extravagant. But they aren’t exactly needs are they?
There is a difference between a need and a want, and it is for their benefit that they pay attention to which is which. There’s a greater urgency and importance attached to a need and a more goal-oriented focus attached to a want. There’s an importance and urgency attached to needing food for a meal, but there’s a goal-oriented focus attached to wanting that meal to be a filet mignon. You have to work a bit harder for a nice steak than you do for a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
As I often do, I tend to think things over… and over… and over again. Conversations had weeks ago will pop into my mind, triggered by something else, and I’ll revisit and rehash all of it. Ad nauseam. Different things that have happened in my life will get the same treatment. This includes the needs and wants conversations I have had with our kiddos. And it typically goes back to scripture.
The Israelites were commanded to remember all that God had done for them and to retell it each year. Each year, they would hear the same story of God’s mighty provision – not because God needed the stroke to His ego, but because we always seem to need the reminder! These repetitive reminders boost our faith and confidence in God as our Savior and Provider (of both the needs and the wants).
Do you ever examine your prayers? I’ll be in the middle of a conversation with God, and I’ll start picking it apart into categories of needs and wants. And then I’ll revisit it. We read passages that talk about cups running over after they’ve been pressed down and shaken together (Psalm 23:5, Luke 6:38), but how often do we neglect seeing it in our own lives? I’m absolutely guilty of categorizing my needs and wants and shrugging some of them off because they don’t seem to be pressed down, shaken together or even getting close to the rim.
There are times that I’m quick to see the bright side of situations and others where the slightest misstep in my day has me in tears. The difference is always Who I’m leaning on. Who I’m repeatedly seeking and spending time with. This – the Who I’m seeking and spending time with – is showing itself to be a very obvious need.
Let’s take a quick look at Paul. He was well-acquainted with probably every Roman prison, and he probably holds the record for being caught in the most shipwrecks. Could Paul have used a boat in the many times he was shipwrecked? Floating around in the middle of the sea, I’m pretty sure a boat could have come in handy. Most of us would call that a need. But Paul had learned that focusing on God gave him the ability to be content in any circumstance – boat or no boat (Philippians 4:11-13).
If he was shipwrecked, at least he had the strength and know-how to swim. If his strength gave out and he drowned, He would immediately be worshipping God in Heaven. He saw a victory in everything because he knew Who had already won. He saw beauty in every situation because He was too busy looking to God that he didn’t concern himself with all the other stuff.
About a month ago, a propane tank exploded at a house just down the road from where we live. My brother-in-law went running toward the house that had the propane tank and started banging on the door, praying that no one was hurt. Someone from a neighboring house came out and let him know that the damaged house was vacant – no one lived there. No one was hurt. Some property damage for sure, but no one was hurt. That’s a cup that runs over.
Our neighbor’s home was originally built in the late 1800s (they’re family, that’s how I know). The property boasts of giant, old oak trees, a few diversifying trees for the splash of color throughout the year, and the sweet-smelling magnolias that you can’t help but linger a bit longer to enjoy. The other morning, we felt our house shake because one of the massive branches split from one of the towering oaks on the neighboring property.
Did it hit the house? Did it crash through the garage or barn? Did it damage any vehicles or equipment? Was anyone hurt? No. Nothing. Nada. It missed all structures, all vehicles, and no one was out working or playing in the yard.
Pressed down. Shaken together. Running over.
We’re always very aware when something is checked off or added to the list because our needs are constantly in front of us – our wants manage to get our attention, too… even blurring the lines between needs and wants. I’m sure that Paul knew the reality of the situation when he was treading water or sitting in shackles in a Roman prison. But Paul recognized what I want our kiddos to learn: that focus on God, seeking Him above all else, is everything. It’s the only thing that matters.
And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 NLT
Do not worry then, saying, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you. Matthew 6:31-33 NASB
God will take care of every need you have, and He often likes to go above and beyond. Whether it’s a meal to eat, blueberries and granola, or an exploding propane tank or felled tree limb. He’s got you more than covered. A good measure… pressed down… shaken together… and running over. All given from the bounty of His glorious riches. What are your needs and wants? Put your focus on Him, your energy into knowing Him better, and you’ll find that all of your needs are met… and so much more.