This afternoon, my kid popped his head in the door and shouted, “Mom, can you get me a knife? Just throw it to me!”
While I didn’t throw the knife, my answer wasn’t no, but, “Which one?” before I walked over and handed it to my 10 year old to use to carve a snow creation outside.
Later tonight, I came across the knife while doing dishes. My first thought was wondering why he wasn’t doing the dishes. My next was about how importing timing and maturity are in what we ask for in life.
Of course an infant shouldn’t be trusted with a knife, or lighter, or even a small toy they’ll try to eat. But as they age those items may become tools and when used properly can be useful things.
The wrong tool at the wrong age is a danger.
The right tool at the right age is a potential blessing.
The right tool at the right age, without a sense of responsibility or purpose can again become a danger.
I truly believe that God knows what we can handle. Sometimes what we ask for is heavier than well be able to lift and He says no, and we get angry because we don’t understand. Sometimes He gives us something risky and even though we’re above the age one would think we’d be at risk of shooting our eye out, we do anyway- or even worse, someone else’s eye.
Things, money, relationships, children, jobs, opportunities… They’re all like knives in the drawer. And, sometimes we ask God to throw one over to us…
The question is…can we catch it, and use it right, or will we mishandle it and cause ourself or others to bleed?