LEARNING TIME...

In the last few weeks, I have been working with David and trying to teach him more signs - especially finger spelling. He has picked up on it very well. My goal has been to teach David how to spell words that will be helpful for everyday living - specific foods, clothing, etc. David, however, has had other ideas. David has decided he wants to learn what is important to him - hotel, travel, vacation, etc. It's really been funny. If he wants anything to eat while at home, before I let him have it, I make him finger spell whatever it is - "Slim Jim," "granola bar," "turkey," etc. David will later come out of his bedroom with a magazine and want to learn how to spell "Country Inn and Suites," "Marriott," "Holiday Inn," "Canada," "California," etc.

I am very happy that David is trying to learn finger spelling, even if it's not the words that I want him to learn. I know that if he learns finger spelling the words he likes he will have a greater ability to finger spell other words in time.

However, this whole adventure has me thinking... I'm sure that at any given time of my life God is trying to teach me something - patience, love, forgiveness, etc. But am I really trying to learn what God wants me to learn or am I going back to God and asking him to teach me the things I want to learn - life with no trouble, rest, relaxation - instead. God is such a kind God that He often gives me the things I want, but because He is so good, He also knows that I need to learn the lessons He wants to teach because that will lead me to the things I really want.

Today, Lord, please open my heart to the lessons You want me to learn. Those are the ones I really need.