Confessions of a “Know it All”

God asked, “Who is this muddying the water, ignorantly confusing the issue, second-guessing my purposes?”  Job answered, “I admit.  I was the one.  I babbled on about things far beyond me, I made small talk about wonders way over my head.  I admit I once lived by rumors of you.  I’m sorry—forgive me.”  Job 42: 2-6 (The Message) 

As a young girl I appreciated my fathers love but I didn’t always appreciate his authority.  Why didn’t he like me driving around after midnight on weekends?  What was wrong with going to a class alone in downtown Minneapolis at night?  Why spoil my fun and scold me for riding through an icy parking lot on the back end of a car?

I didn’t go to work with my father, so I didn’t understand his job.  I knew he was a police officer, but I envisioned him writing traffic tickets all day.  I had no knowledge of the situations he came across.  I had not been to accident scenes, witnessed the effects of a drunk driver, or taken reports of rape and abuse.  When I questioned my father’s boundaries for me, I spoke of things I knew nothing about.  My view of life was little.  His was big.  I understand better now how my father’s higher knowledge impacted the decisions he made for the daughter he loved.

Dear God,

I don’t know the paths you travel.  I have no idea what all you see and do.  I imagine I understand your work.  But my view is limited.  I have rolled my eyes at your commands and argued with you about your way for me.  I have spoken of things I don’t understand.  I am sorry.  Help me to trust in your love, rest in your wisdom, obey your commands, and appreciate your authority.                                                                                                   

                                                                                                                                    Amen.