Psalm 16:8-9 I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure.
I watched a young mother in our women’s group with her toddler. The child was determined to walk across the meeting hall. Tenacious wobbly steps, with one arm up-reached and fingers flexing, just to make sure Mommy’s hand was there to grab hold, just in case. The mother intently watched, matching her child’s pace, always within reach to lend a hand. In another month or so, I can see that mother trying to run to keep up with the giggling toddler as the child grows more confident and sturdy in her strides. That is only the beginning of all the little letting go episodes to come. Letting go to be what she is created to be, yet always there to lend a hand. That’s what parenting is all about, isn’t it?
Can’t you see God our Father that way? He is always beside us, just within reach. As we mature, we may think we do not need Him to help us walk this path. But the wisdom that comes with age is that with each step, we do. Children will try to find independence, and so do we. We struggle to make our own way in the world, only to realize our Father’s way is best. Then, when we do, we tenaciously reach out a wobbly hand, fingers flexed. What wondrous relief to feel the warm, solid strength grasp our hand and draw us near.
Even if we occasionally fall on our rears, He is there waiting for us to ask for help back up. Ready to lend a hand – the same hand that created the world in which we live, and everything else. The same hand that has nail scars on it and was stretched out on a cross to take on our sins.
