(3 minute read) Natalie and Kerri are in their teens and they are sisters. They are so different people never believe they are sisters. Their dad is a loving father and he is proud of them both. One of the differences between Kerri and Natalie is how they interact with their father.

Natalie needed new shoes. She knew if she asked her father, he will get her new shoes. So before even asking him, Natalie started thinking of the different styles that she will be picking from. She experienced a sweet feel of expectation. A brief thought of what if dad says no, entered her mind, but she quickly dismissed it. Natalie preferred the sweet exhilaration of getting new shoes than the feel of disappointment if she does not get a new pair.

Natalie approached her dad with that sweet smile of hers, rested her head on his shoulder and wrapped her arms around his arm. Can we go shopping this weekend for shoes dad? Of course my sweet girl, dad smiled as he replied. Natalie walked away with a smile from ear to ear.

Earlier that day, Kerri looked at her worn out shoes and thought, dad works so hard to make sure that we have good things. I am so thankful for my dad and how he loves us and provides for us. Kerri smiled to herself in gratitude for her father and pondered; I know that dad will notice that I need new shoes. So for now, I will remain thankful that my shoes do not have a hole in the sole and I will remain content with what I already have.  Kerri’s smile reflected her contentment and thanks to her father.

Natalie’s father remembered that Kerri got her last pair of shoes at the same time as Natalie. So dad went to Kerri to ask her if she needed a new pair. Upon asking, Kerri’s eyes welled with a tear. She smiled and ran into her father and wrapped herself around him. As she squeezed him harder Kerri said, I am so thankful for you dad, and yes I do need new shoes, can we shop this weekend for a new pair? Of course my sweet girl, dad smiled as he replied. Kerri walked away wiping her happy tears, with a smile from ear to ear.

 

The father enjoyed the interaction with Natalie and Kerri alike. The need and outcome in this story is the same. The attitude, demeanor and method of Kerri and Natalie were quite different though. The difference did not impact the father or the outcome, but rather the girls themselves. Natalie’s focus was the outcome, while Kerri’s focus was her father.

In my humble opinion, our God, Lord and Creator accepts both types, but He desires the Kerri method as it makes Kerri better on the inside. No expectation, just content and at peace. Till next week  🙂