My two daughters had their hair done yesterday to prepare for their first day of school tomorrow. Both have long blonde hair, and Christian, the 13-year-old got hers permed, while Jillian, the 9-year-old, had hers cut and styled. They both looked absolutely fabu when they walked out of the salon.
On the way home, we decided to go by Jillian’s friend’s house to show off her new ‘do. Her friend was outside on her scooter. We stopped the car and Jillian got out to show her. Here is how the conversation went:
Me (through the window): “We thought we’d stop by and show you Jillian’s hair. She just got it cut and styled.”
Her friend (squinting at her): “That is just so wrong.”
Me: “What do you mean?”
Her Friend: “I don’t know. It just looks kind of wierd.”
Jillian (her heart–the violet that just got crushed): “Yeah, it’s different.”
Christian (her protective older sister): “Well, do you like it?”
Her Friend: “I don’t know. It’s just wrong.”
We drove away. I turned and looked back at Jillian and told her that her friend had been incredibly rude, and that her mother would have climbed her frame had she heard what her daughter had said. I know her mother. We’re good friends. She would not tolerate such behavior. Still, there was my little girl, whose self-esteem, in about a minute’s time, had taken a heck of a beating.
I think Jillian got over it much faster than I did. An hour later, I was still fuming. I wanted to take that kid and give her a lecture she’d never forget. I haven’t called her mother yet. For once, I managed to keep myself from my usual knee-jerk reaction. But it has given me food for thought.
There is something that runs deep in the heart of a parent, a protectiveness so strong that we want to strike back at someone who hurts our child, even if that someone is a nine-year-old shooting off her mouth, because she was either jealous, or trying to sound cool. She needs grace, just like the rest of us. It occurred to me that God has that same “protective parent” heart within Him.
nations which plunder you, for he who touches you, touches the apple of His
eye. For behold, I will wave My hand over them, so that they will be plunder
for their slaves. Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent Me.”
Zechariah 2:8-9
But there’s more to it. Note where God is touched when someone touches us. The “apple of His eye” is translated literally as “the pupil.” We are at the center of His focus. But what happens when someone touches God’s pupil? He gets poked in the eye.
It’s a good thing He’s a God of grace, because if someone hurt my child and then poked me in the eye, I’d be hard-pressed to do anything but strike out. But the thing is, I’ve poked Him in the eye several times myself, by talking unkindly to–or about–someone He loves.
That’s why His grace is so…amazing. He loves each of us, and takes it in the eye for us–all in the name of love.
Gwenn
