She
might be a baby who just turned one, but she is learning everyday. We learn by
watching, by example, by testing, by listening and by being a part of the ways
of our very society, and she is no exception. Yesterday, after dinner,
mom figured that everybody needed an outing. It is summer you know,
school is out and routines are now laxed. So William and Catherine scooted to
my house and baby Molly rode, as Jennifer pushed her in her newly assembled
tricycle for tots. The goal was a popsicle not me. Though Molly was
just along for the ride, she quickly figured out that there was a reward at
journeys' end.
It
was nothing to speak of really, the older kids got theirs, ran outside and were
on their way to eat and explore but I had not yet gotten to Molly to give her
hers. She was in Jennifer's arms, turning her head to and fro as if to
say, hey, where is mine? She might be only one, and not talking, but she
knows what is going on around her, for she has learned by watching and
listening and being a part of her active family. I got on it right away,
and smiling and kicking she graciously accepted the very treat she was
expecting. And everyone was happy. There she sat in the driveway contented,
eating her lime green popsicle, without any help, taking in the conversations,
and keeping a close eye on her brother and sister.
We
don't realize how much we take in each day just by what we see and hear. And
what our children take in from us, no matter how old they may be. Even as
adults, they are still watching how we handle things, just as I kept my eye on
my parents and how they handled life. It is a strange phenomena, when
both of your parents die and you are left to hold the generation baton.
But it is even stranger to consider how we have incorporated,
blended and woven what we have learned into our own lives, through our own
experiences and our own set of accumulated standards, desires and responsibilities.
I
watch my little Molly, innocent, unable to care for herself, dependent on
everybody for everything (especially mom) and I watch as her personality
develops, knowing that she will be greatly swayed by the opinions of her
siblings, her mom and dad and the environment she is surrounded by. But I also
know that even as a small baby God has his hand on her and too is in the
process of molding her for his glorious purposes. He is doing that with
us, now, just as he began doing when we were little.
God
has put before us tests to overcome, choices to muddle through, joys that fill
our hearts and blessings that outweigh our trials.
As
Molly was perched on the shoulders of mama, she was expecting something good to
come her way. And she was alert and waiting her turn. We are no
different, as we sit on the shoulders of our heavenly father. If we
openly expect something good to come our way, then we watch and listen
with hopeful expectation and soon God will gently lower us down and stretch out
his hand of favor and bless us according to his plans. His offerings may not be
what we expect or even look like something that would fit our desire, but he
always has a plan that exceeds our limited perspective.
Day
after day we do look around at the circumstances of others and wonder why we
are not the recipients of that basket full of blessings. Oh but we are!
Our blessings may look dim compared to others but the truth of it is; what we
see on the outside, does not always compensate for the heartbreak, suffering,
pain or loneliness that may be felt on the inside. We all have our stories
and hurdles. That is why it is so important to be watching for, and expecting
God's gracious offerings of love strength, power, courage and grace.
It is so that our hearts will be filled with His encouragement and hope.
Now
granted this is a far cry from a green popsicle, but it is all relative. Our
thoughts and our perspective have been gleaned, through our experiences and our
awareness of our what we have seen and what we have heard. If we allow
God to help us collect, channel and filter those thoughts, we will find a
peace and a life satisfaction that will refresh us with endurance. And it will
be better than a green popsicle, for it won't melt away, it will be lasting.
God gives
us hope, and fills us with confident expectation, not based on circumstances
but on his promises that he will never leave us, that he hears us when we pray,
gives us strength when we are weary, wisdom when we are confused, and
that he has the power to make His good even out the gloomiest of situations. If
we allow him, He will generate within us a childish appreciation for the
little things, that will give us constant joy.
Though
you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now,
you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy,
I
watch my grandchildren carefully as they play, not because I am scared that
something will happen, but in appreciation for their lives just as they are.
They will grow up soon enough, but it is in the life stages that God will
mold their sense of well being and develop their personalities. God has
made them each to be individual participants in his kingdom, just as he has for
each of us. Young or old, we are called to serve him through the gifts we
have been given, trust him with a faithful spirit, and enjoy him when the sun
is shining or the rains are falling. May we find contentment through him in all
things.
Dear
Lord, As I watched that baby enjoying that popsicle, I imagined your smile upon
her, just as you smile upon each of us.
May
we trust you in all circumstances and find joy and childish appreciation in the
little things. Amen
Praise God wherever you are and whatever
situation He has allowed you to be in . . . His glory will shine through!
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