Numbers 22:31-33 (ESV) 
    "Then the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way, with his drawn sword in his hand. And he bowed down and fell on his face. And the angel of the Lord said to him, 'Why have you struck your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out to oppose you because your way is perverse before me. The donkey saw me and turned aside before me these three times. If she had not turned aside from me, surely just now I would have killed you and let her live.'" 

I was reading this passage yesterday morning after a grueling week of seemingly insurmountable deadlines.  The heat of these deadlines had been squeezing me, big time!  Sin was pouring out of my heart, gushing from my mouth, and sliming many of my nearest and dearest.  It sure wasn't the first time that I had said to God, "Why are you doing this to me?  Am I not trying to serve You with every sinew in my body?"  Like Balaam, when pressed by circumstances, I tend to take it out on those around me... especially my husband and children.  Like Balaam's donkey, they are often silent under the ill treatment (but that doesn't mean they don't feel it!).

Have you ever gotten up a head of steam and "let it all hang out"?  Have you ever rehearsed conversations with someone you were angry with, or sure was in the wrong, and arrived at the supreme moment, delivered your lines perfectly, and waited for them to wither, only to find that -- oops -- you didn't know the whole picture?

Ever judged a child too quickly? 

• "Why aren't you done with your math yet!!?" said in a harsh tone. 
• "Did you do your chores YET?"  (Expecting a "no" answer.) 
• "What's that behind your back?" (Suspicious and accusing tone.) 

Ever been surprised by their answer? 

• "I'm not done math because Gramma called and I was talking to her for a half-hour." 
• Or, "Yes, Mom, an hour ago.  I got up early to do the chores today so I would be sure not to forget." 
• "Flowers, Mom, for you!  It's spring at last!"

Reading this passage, and desperately preaching the gospel to myself concerning my recent sins, I felt God saying, "Daughter, once again, you don't have the big picture.  I am holy.  I am loving.  I am all-powerful and all-knowing and I make no mistakes.  You are human: limited, sinful, and short-sighted.  Trust me more!"

Oh.  Right.  I knew that.

I am so grateful for the living and active Word of God, His gospel and patience with me, and the unfailing love of my husband and children!