Repetition

We've been trying to teach Gimli and Virginia how to "shake" (shake hands). They already know how to sit, lay down, spin, go get mommy (my personal favorite!), and now we're hoping to add "shake" to their repertoire of tricks. The way we've been teaching them this trick is to say a command they already know ("Sit"), and then pick up their paw, demonstrate for them how to shake while saying "Shake", and then giving them lots of affirmation right after, even though they didn't technically do the trick yet. And we do this routine over and over and over again. At the beginning of the process, they are confused and they try to do other tricks they already know instead, or they look at us with a puzzled expression. They even become exasperated right before they get it! It's as if they are saying, "What are you trying to teach me mom?! I don't get it!!" Usually, it's right after they hit that exasperated point that it clicks and they understand what we are commanding them to do.

Isn't that the way God teaches us how to live in obedience to Him also? He has given us many examples of both how to live, and how not to live through the people in the Bible, throughout history, and many in our lives today. We also have His commands and instructions throughout all of Scripture. Most significantly, we have the ultimate and perfect example of a godly life through Jesus' earthly life. Now, every day, we learn by repetition.  I keep thinking one day I'm going to conquer the issues that have plagued me for my whole life. I think that with enough will power, accountability or resources, I can conquer anything!  The truth is, I can't. I can't overcome any of my sins on my own.  I need God to change my heart and teach me how to live every day for the rest of my life. Luckily for us, the God of the Universe whom we serve is incredibly patient!  He lovingly and patiently corrects us and reminds us of His commands and His character over and over and over.  Though this process is so incredibly frustrating, and I get so mad at myself for having to re-learn the same lessons again and again, I am so incredibly thankful for God's patient repetition in my life! My memory is so short, and I forget things so very easily.

There's no question we will all need repetitious instruction in our lives as long as we live. It pleases our Father when we go to Him and acknowledge our weakness and need for Him, even if it is the 10,000th time! He never grows weary of us asking for His help. Actually, It's quite the opposite.