“And it should be, it should be, it should be like that.” -Dr. Suess

A story about how it should be

I am convinced the most meaningful lessons are taught through children’s books.

And not just lessons for children.

 

If you’ve never read Horton Hatches the Egg, let me give you a brief summary. Mayzie the lazy bird leaves Horton the elephant to sit on her nest. It is supposed to be for a short time, but Mayzie does not return.

 

Horton sits on the egg. And protects the egg. Through storms, and hunters, and being put in the circus, he holds onto his promise.

Because he is faithful.

 

Finally the egg hatches. Of course, Mayzie reappears as this is happening, just in time to claim her egg.

But everyone is shocked to see what comes out of the egg. It is an elephant-bird.

 

And it should be, it should be, it should be like that.

 

Every time I read this story to my class, we laugh together at the thought of an elephant sitting on an egg.

And every time I get to the “it should be like that” line, I get a lump in my throat and my voice sometimes shakes just a little.

 

Silly, I know.

 

But Horton put his heart and soul into taking care of that egg, and the results are beautiful.

I want that for you.

How badly I want that for the people around me. 

For my family.

My friends.

For you.

 

I want people who work tirelessly for something to reap the rewards.

 

For the people who exude love and goodness to live long, healthy lives.

 

For people who desire marriage and a family to get their happily ever after.

 

I want those who pray with their whole heart for circumstances to change, to see their prayers answered.

 

Isn’t that how it should be?

I am not in control. And it should be like that.

But my view is so limited. Where I only see a circumstance, God sees all. He sees all of the pieces moving and working together in a way I can’t understand.

In a way I can’t comprehend.

In a way that sometimes doesn’t seem fair.

 

But all for the good of those who love Him.

 

As much as I want control, I could not be trusted with it. My view is too limited. 

I may solve one problem I can see while causing harm in places I can’t see.

I might do good to one person while taking something away from another.

 

Who am I to say how things should or shouldn’t be?

 

Rather, I can rest in knowing that God loves me.

He cares for me.

He works everything for the good of those who love Him.

God is the one in control. Not me.

 

And it should be like that.

 

 

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” -Romans 8:28