Eyes of a Child

This is a repeat devotional that was written in 2008...a lot has happened since then...this was my first grandchild now I have four....but as I was looking through past writings I came across this one and thought it might be worth sharing again. Blake is now four...and the truths in this story remain as all truths unchanged.....

It was just an outing...or an adventure for little Blake (age 2) and me. His Mom and Dad were out of town...and I decided that as many times as we sing "The Wheels on the Bus"...that it was time to ride a real bus. So we packed a back pack and one of those cheap umbrella type strollers and headed to the bus stop. The rest of our journey, we were going to wing.... We talked about the big bus and sat on the bench and waited and finally it came...and when the huge doors opened up accompanied by the sound of the hydraulics ....it was a little overwhelming to my pint sized little guy But there we climbed hand in hand onto the real deal bus.

The whole thing was an adventure...the money, the ticket....the driver ...the seats (no seat belts), and the ride...When we got downtown...we stopped at the J.P. Morgan building, chased a few pigeons, played in the water (they have a terrific small fountain) til his pants were splashed pretty thoroughly and then traveled a few more blocks and rode the rail, sat in the front seat behind the engineer....rode the giant escalator down at the Reliant building, stopped at the Whataburger, ate lunch, got a balloon and retraced our steps and headed home. OK...I tell you this story because....

Everything is an adventure to a two year old...they see the little things...they enjoy the simple pleasures....they find total delight in the ordinary....and quite frankly, there are lessons to be learned from watching them. They embrace curiosity, they are cautious about new territory but it doesn't paralyze them, and they are so low to the ground that they take notice of things that we take for granted. Even though new circumstances surround them they are secure knowing that they are with someone who loves them and will take care of them.

Here we are in a new year...new adventures await us but it is our choice as to how to we are to approach them. We will be bombarded with overwhelming situations...and the doors will open and the air will rush right through to our souls....but we have to take the next step and remember who we are traveling with. For God is beside us...and loves us and has promised to take care of us whatever the situation. We only have to decide whether or not we are going to trust him and hold his hand and follow His lead.

For days my little friend followed me around the house and if by chance I was got out of sight, for a bit, he would immediately call my name to make sure he knew where I was. The lessons of a two year old are simple... Trust those who love and care for you....keep them in sight....hold their hand when new adventures come your way or danger seems eminent...and find delight in the little things...For perspective is a genuine tool to use in any situation. And God's perspective is one of confidence ...for her knows what lies ahead...and he also knows the way through circumstances. He has all answers and carries with him no fear.

Life offers us challenges and opportunities....each of them will effect us and be an experience that we take note of and will use on another occasion. We just have to try to perceive it through the eyes of God and not limit the boundaries of our thoughts. For if it has come our way then it was sent by way of God. Call God's name, remember that he is close...and run to Him knowing that when things seem juggled and out of order...then He will keep you safe....He will secure your heart through His provisions. He will manifest a faith within you that will overcome any fear or anxiousness....no matter how great or small.

Matthew 18:4
Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

This is a fresh day... embrace it with confidence and joy and know that God is beside you no matter where the doors of life open. Watch for the simple things...appreciate the ordinary...be bold and brave and curious....and live life...don't just survive it. Hop on the bus....and go for an adventure....don't settle into your bubble of comfort....Step Out...and ask for God's hand....It is a good and strong and secure one to hold on to.

Dear Lord, Thank you for standing beside us...for being the steady rock when things are overwhelming. Help us to run to you not just when we need help but just because we want to be beside you as well. Help us to try to see the opportunities and challenges in life through your eyes.
Give us courage to take the next step and give us your peace as we travel the journey you have set forth. Thank you for the year that we have said goodbye to and thank you too for this New Year that you have set before us. May we approach is with the eyes of a two year old....with curiosity, with delight and with renewed energy. Amen

Praise God wherever you are and whatever situation He has allowed you to be in . . . His glory will shine through!

website:
www.cathyjodeit.com
email address: cjodeit@gmail.com
The blog link below has all devotionals from the beginning of the year:

http://simplygod-cathy.blogspot.com/