We can learn so much from kids. I know I do. Their sense of humor, their fearlessness, their creativity, their faith, their honesty…

One of the little ones I have been taking care of the last few months has a new favorite word: More. It is, without exaggeration, repeated throughout our 8 hour day at least 50 times.

As much as he loves to hear himself say this newfound word “MOooooREEeee!!”… I’m sure he enjoys the action he hopes will follow the most.

Whether he is sitting in his high chair with a plate full of food or sitting in his playroom surrounded by Legos, you better believe, he is chanting “more” over and over again.

What he doesn’t realize, at just two short years of life, is that he already has enough of what he apparently wants more of. In fact, usually, more than enough.

As he chants (and sometimes screams) for more, I’m quick to point to all the food on his tray or the overwhelming amount of toys all around him and out of frustration say, “Buddy, you have more RIGHT HERE”! While thinking, “How does he not see or understand that??”

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But earlier this week, as I was so quickly pointing my finger at him, it hit me… isn’t that how we sometimes treat God? And how He most likely sees us?

We continue to shout “more” when we are already sitting in enough.

Whether it’s money, time, sleep, friends, clothes, accessories, weight loss, promotions, social media likes, home décor, etc… we all feel entitled to more of something. And just like that two year old, we begin to lose sight of what we have and what we need.

Because deep down, the root of us wanting ‘more’ is our want to impress others more. But our God is not interested in us impressing others. And He is not interested in us storing up treasures here on earth. He does though call us His children and promise to “meet all our needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).

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Or sometimes it’s not the tangible mores we crave but the “more to life” that we desire.

We’re too enamored in what may come in the future to appreciate what’s right in front of us now.

I’m especially guilty of this during this engagement season…

In a time where everything seems to be based around something in the future, it’s easy to miss the present. When all you can think about and plan for is your future wedding, honeymoon, marriage, move, first big girl job, you quickly forget that God counts the days before just as significant.

I forget that my days spent single, living at home, babysitting are just as important in God’s design.

Not that my future days wont bring Him glory or bring me joy, but that I don’t need to wait until then to be completely satisfied in Him.

Through that wild and persistant 2-year-old boy, God is teaching me that I don’t always need more. That He equips us with everything we need for each day. And that life isn’t about just waiting for what’s next.

After all, we are not promised tomorrow.

Thank you, little one, for reminding me of how the Father sees and loves me so fiercely, even when I am least deserving.

And thank you, Heavenly Father, for the ways you choose to teach us about your love. May we be slow to ask for more and quick to thank you for everything You have given us. May we be satisfied in your gifts and your plans, alone. For we know, nothing we have here on earth is ours to take when we leave. It is and always has been Yours. Help us to slow down and see who or what you have in store for us today. And to not waste away the days You have so graciously given us. Thank you for being a God of forgiveness as we are all in desperate need of it daily. Forgive us most of all, for not always being quick to chant for more of You, Jesus. Amen.

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“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”

1 Timothy 6:6-12