Be Still-Get out of the Way!

Children are such a gift from God, aren't they? I am always so amazed at God uses my children on a daily basis to teach me something new. Here is yet another story of how a simple everyday occurrence can reveal a truth that God wants us to understand.

Yesterday, as my almost four year-old, Lilly, and I were walking out of a building, she saw a young woman with two small children walking slightly in front of us. The mom was holding a baby carrier and a baby bag. The second child seemed to be around 2 years old (needless to say she had her hands full!). Seeing that the woman needed help, my daughter rushed ahead and pushed the heavy door open for her. While Lilly was excited about helping, there was just one simple problem. The door was so heavy that in order to keep it open, Lilly had to push with both hands and brace the door with her foot. This forced her to stand right in the way so the woman and her daughter could not get past her to get out!

Touched by her enthusiasm and kindness, the woman exclaimed,"Why, thank you, sweetie! You are such a big helper!"

After briskly jogging to catch up to the situation, I gently moved Lilly from the doorway and held the door for the woman so that she could go out. We laughed about the situation and chatted a bit. She thanked us both and commented on how helpful Lilly had been.

This sweet little situation reminded me of how we as believers sometimes get in the way in our efforts to help someone else or even trying to help ourselves. Of course, we have the best intentions at heart. We may want to share Him with others, help in a desperate situation, or take care of a problem of our own accord. In the case of trying to help ourselves, we can be a bit like drowning men that cannot be rescued until we stop thrashing about. Sometimes in our enthusiasm, we stand in the way of the work that only God can do for us and for others. The word tells us to listen carefully to his guidance, stay in prayer and ask him what it is he wants us to do. Sometimes he just wants us to be still, pray and trust him. He is faithful! When we get out of the way, He will open the door in HIS perfect timing and all-knowing way!

Is there a door in your life that needs to be opened? Are you praying for a loved one or trying to help a friend? Are your arms and legs straining and you feel the door is closing? Whether it is for yourself or another person, take the time today to do as Psalm 46:10 says Be still and know that I am God. He will open that door for you.

"So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." Luke 11:19

Pick Me Up, Mom!

"Pick me up, mom, pick me up!"

At a recent trip to the farm and pumpkin patch near where we live, these were the words that my 3 year old daughter, Lilliana, cried out every time she wanted to pet a tall animal or see something she couldn't see. We were visiting the farm as part of our church M.O.P.S. (Mothers of Preschoolers) group. It had turned out to be a nice, sunny day in spite of the fact that it had begun with a chilly morning.

The farm was packed with animals, hay bales, pumpkins, sights to see and things to do. Lilly was determined to pet everything and do everything. Absolutely nothing (especially being small) was going to stand in her way! When the Llama's neck was too far to reach, when the chicken was inside the high coop, when the baby goat was sitting out of reach on a huge log, I would hear her little voice ask, "Pick me up mom, please pick me up!"

It was fun to see her so enthusiastic about the whole "farm experience". I couldn't resist being a part of her joy. And of course, every time she asked, I would pick her up. When we saw a big, colorful turkey who gobbled loudly, again, she cried "Pick me up mom!"-this time because she was afraid (he was just as big as she was!). Again, I picked her up. We had a wonderful time exploring, playing, and discovering with friends, even if my back was sore by the end of the day.

As Christians, we are able to rely on our Heavenly Father to continually "pick us up", in a much greater way than I lifted Lilly up at the farm! His back will never be sore and His love is everlasting. When we doubt ourselves, when we are tired, and even when we are afraid, the bible says that He will lift us up. All we have to do is humble ourselves and follow Him!

James 4:10
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.

Psalm 146:8
The Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those that are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous.

Isaiah 40:31 promises:
They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength they will soar on wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

The Isaiah passage is frequently memorized and can serve as an inspiration to us all. Not only will the Lord "pick us up", but He will also give us the means to soar on eagles wings!

As you go about your day, cast your cares upon the Lord, share with Him your hopes and dreams, humble yourself before Him, let him lead your life. If you do, He will definitely "pick you up"and when He does, you will be able to enjoy the "farm" of your life.

Remember The Masterpieces

Yesterday, my daughter Lilliana (age 3) presented me with the most beautiful "masterpiece" that she had spent quite a time creating. I smiled as she presented her drawing to me, with her eyes wide, a look of excitement and anticipation adorning her rosy little face.

"Look mommy, its a flower! she exclaimed, "And that's you and daddy holding the flower that I gave you!" she finished proudly.

I felt a wave of emotion as I looked at the picture, a mass of colors and entangled lines, finally focusing on the two central figures that looked as much like my husband and I holding flowers as lemons are sweet. I accepted her gift to me with an enthusiastic reply.

"Oh Lilliana, that is beautiful, you did such a good job!"

Do you remember those lovingly created "masterpieces" that you have received from your own child? I am talking about the infamous lopsided clay pots, the beautiful toilet paper roll dolls, or the scribble-scrabble family portraits. As a parent, you accepted those gifts with open arms, regardless of the "artistic value" that they may have had by the world's standards. You were excited that your child had taken the time to make you a gift. You were touched by the effort and love with which the piece had been created- just for you. It was beautiful for what it stood for, not for what it was.

This brings to mind how many times as Christians we remain stagnant because we feel we are not "good enough" for God. We have lost the childlike faith that we need in order to give ourselves to him, regardless of our shortcomings. I have experienced this many times in my own spiritual walk. It is unimaginable to me that He loves me despite my many imperfections!

Let's take a moment to look at how it is possible that God connects with us just like an earthly parent connects with a child.

Romans 8:10, 14-15 has this to say about God as our Father:

10. Your body will always be dead because of sin. But if Christ is in you, then the Spirit gives you life, because Christ has made you right with God.
14. The true children of God are those who let God's Spirit lead them. 15. The spirit that we receive is not a spirit that makes us slaves again to fear. The Spirit that we have makes us children of God. And with that Spirit we say, "Father, dear Father."

How wonderful this is! How comforted we can be that when we are led by Christ, even our "lopsided clay pots" are acceptable to the Father. We do not have to live in fear or condemnation any more!

So the next time that your precious child presents you with another "masterpiece"- be reminded of the love that our Heavenly Father has revealed to us. Don't be held back by your insecurities and fear. Christ has given us the ability to triumph over all of that!