Discipline is key to getting what we want

"God disciplines those he loves." - Proverbs 3:12 (NIV)

"I'm not tired." Were the words often expressed by each of my sons when I enforced bedtime on a school night.

"You guys have school tomorrow and need your sleep," I explained as any loving mother would.

Although they didn't agree with my demands, I knew if I allowed my boys to stay up as long as they desired, they would be tired in school the next day and their performance would suffer.

With reluctant groans of disapproval, they surrendered to my wishes. However, once everyone was nestled comfortable under the covers, it wasn't long before eyelids were tightly closed and they were sound asleep.

The next morning, when the alarm clock signaled it was time to rise, I went to the bedrooms to awaken each of my sons. It warmed my heart as I watched each one stretch and yawn while they rubbed the sleep from their eyes. They were ready to face the day refreshed from a good night's sleep.

Oftentimes, when we feel God isn't giving us our own way we respond like a groaning child. We feel like we're being punished or treated unfairly because we lack the understanding or foresight to see what God is withholding from us is for our own good.

Reflection at a later time may reveal a glimpse of what disaster God's love and mercy spared us from. Many times, God is trying to help us grow and mature to reach our full potential, which can only be accomplished through discipline.

Disciplining our tongues in each conversation improves our relationships, watching our financial spending can help money matters.

When we don't see the answers we are looking for, we might try reflecting where we lack some discipline and trust that, like a good parent, God is leading us to be more disciplined and showing us his love.

• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She can be contacted at annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413.