From a Mommy’s Perspective

This afternoon we took our 1 1/2 year old son, Jack, to play in the park. He toddled around the monstrous pieces of equipment for a little while, but after a few minutes he made a bee-line for the street. Understandably, his Daddy and I wanted him to stay with us, on the grass. We both let him know, with tone and words, that he was to turn around and come back.

Jack, however, didn’t seem to see things our way. Without even a pause, he continued his path toward the nearby road. When I took his hand to redirect his steps, his body lost all strength, and he collapsed into a puddle of boy on the ground. So, Daddy scooped him up and carried him back to safer ground. Crisis averted.

As Jack howled at being taken from what looked to be a big fun play area, I started to wonder if God feels the same way when I reject Him and His attempts to redirect me away from something that holds unseen dangers. An unkind word that strengthens a habit of criticism. An self-indulgence that feeds an addiction. A loving comment left unspoken that widens a gap in a wounded relationship.

As a parent, it’s obvious to me that every instruction given to my son should be followed immediately and with a smile!! It should be obvious that I love him with all my heart. I only direct him in ways that keep him healthy and safe, and ultimately happy.

The Lord directs the steps of the godly.
          He delights in every detail of their lives.
Though they stumble, they will never fall,
          for the Lord holds them by the hand.
Psalm 37:23-24

God is our Heavenly Daddy, our Abba. It should similarly be obvious to us that He loves us with all His heart.

Is there something that God is telling you to do today that isn’t necessarily what you want, but really is for your own good? Can you take a few minutes and chat with Him? Maybe just let Him know that you’re listening and you trust him, and you have decided not to walk into that “street” that he’s trying to protect you from?

I know I’ve got some obeying to do…maybe it would make my Abba happy if I did so quickly and willingly.

Blessings.