Ethan's new clothes

The below story has probably happened to every parent, but I (Dave) thought I'd share it with you and my reflections on it.

Last weekend, we took Ethan to the 'mall' to buy him new clothes and shoes. He only has basically one outfit, so we wanted to spoil him with a new one (and he really needed new shoes). We spent a good half hour at the mall, spent $70+ on him, and he walked away with new shirts, pants, shoes, hat, socks, and underwear. He was beaming, and so was his Dad. That lasted about 2 minutes. Then we walked past a toy store, and of course, he had to have a certain toy. We said no, and he went from happy to moping and disgruntled. In that moment I was so mad. Didn't he know how much we've spent and what we've gone through to get to this point! Didn't he appreciate the brand new clothes we just bought him! And now all he cares about is some stupid toy! How ungrateful!!!

Later it dawned on me. I wonder how many times God feels the same way. He gives us so much, but at the first moment we don't get some trivial thing we want, we complain. We question His love, His compassion. We pull away and mope. We all do it. I've done quite a few times on this trip. Yet despite it, God continues to love us, provide for us, and protect us - something I need to remember as I parent.