An empty stable stays clean–but there is no income from an empty stable (Proverbs 14:4 TLB).
Our twins would be starting kindergarten in the fall and already I was planning how I would spend my free time while they were in school. Much as I loved our children, I couldn’t wait to have more time to write.
Then I had a phone call from a new friend from church asking if I was interested in babysitting for her three-year-old daughter while she worked. I was astonished because when I had visited her home with our children, Robbie had tried my patience repeatedly. I’d been embarrassed and sure that we had made a bad impression. On the contrary, Kathy said she had been impressed at my patience and perseverance.
My first thought was, Why would I want to babysit for someone else’s child when our own are finally ready to go to school? Nevertheless, even though I wanted to say no, I told Kathy I would pray about it. The next day during my quiet time, Proverbs 14:4 caught my attention (see above). It seemed God was saying that although my house would stay clean if I didn’t babysit―a definite benefit―it would be more beneficial for us financially if I did.
Determined to be obedient, even in the little things, I told Kathy I would take the job. To my surprise, I discovered the house seemed very empty without Angie and Robbie, and the presence of little Sarah in our otherwise “empty stable” was a greater blessing than the income it generated.
Help us trust your wisdom, Jesus, more than we trust our desires. Amen.
