During a recent playdate at Chick-Fil-A, my 16-month-old son climbed to the top of the playscape to explore the overhead tunnel. This was his first attempt at tackling the Godzilla of toys.
It was not an easy climb for a little guy. His big sister stood near as his spotter, but resisted the urge to hoist him upward. In addition to reaching his goal, my son did something else I wasn’t expecting from him. Each time he reached the next level, he screamed with terror; yet instead of reaching toward me for rescue, he garnered composure and stretched his 24-pound body toward the next step. When he finally landed safely in the tunnel, he excitedly stomped his feet and squealed a triumphant cry.
My journey to becoming the woman I was designed to be shares a few similarities with my son’s physical milestone.
To read the entire devotion, visit Faith Lifts. (Mild disclaimer...In this devotion, I wrote that following Jesus is not safe. What I meant by that is that from our earthly perspectives, it is not safe...hope that makes more sense.)
13 comments:
I enjoyed this very much! Fear really is so often an inhibitor of me living the life God intended for me. I have a 3x5 card on my fridge with 2 Timothy 1:7 written on it "For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self discilpline." I love that verse because it tells me that the fear I face is not from the one who created me and through him I have the power to say no to that fear.
I sure appreciate you. :)
Thank you for visiting my blog. I love to welcome new readers and you are certainly welcome to visit anytime.
I love to share Christ with anyone interested in praising our wonderful Savior. I learn a lot and hopefully help others also through my blog.
I intend to come back and read more as time permits. Thank you again and God bless you.
I love thsi story!! It reminds me of my son even at 4 yo sometimes he gets like this...
Thank you for the encouragement today, I really appreciate your guidance.
I absolutely LOVE the parallel you drew between your sons climb and your journey to becoming a woman.
I love this analogy. It is terrifying but exhilerating at the same time. The key is to push forward through the fear. Great lesson for me too. THanks!
LOL, Am I the ONLY one wondering how the kid got down from there?!?!?! (grin)
Terrific story. Isn't it amazing that, at the ripe old age of just-past-one, we can learn from them?
That was a great devotion! :)
LOL, Emily! Thanks for the first time comment.
Do you know I was half afraid to write this post because I thought people would think me a terrible mom for allowing my not even 1.5 yr old to climb up there? :-)
There were no other kids there except his big sister and her friend. My daughter helped direct him to the slide and fortunately those things aren't very slick. He half slid, half crawled down...no toddlers were harmed during the event. LOL. Angela
going to go finish the read! oddly enough I took pictures for a family on a set just like that this past weekend! Your not in Sk are you?
Take it from a mom of sons, four times over...telling them not to climb is like telling them not to breathe!
Great post and you are so right, following Jesus is not "safe," nor always comfortable. Often it is hard and heartbreaking, but WORTH IT! Following Him in the unsafe times brings an intimacy and increase in faith that is worth every risk. He is worthy!
I love how God uses our kids, daily, to teach us/ remind us/ and encourage us.
I went over to finish reading...and am so glad I did!
Such a beautiful post! Fear holds me back all the time, until Jesus reaches out a hand, much as you would a climbing toddler, and says "It's ok I've got you, keep going."
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