I went shopping today, and ended up looking at toys. OK, I did more than look. In just a few weeks our granddaughter will be here for Christmas - our first Christmas with a grandchild in the house and well, Grandma is having fun already! It's been a lot of years since I've looked at toys with any real zeal, and was so impressed by some of the fun things available. I hope Ella will like the toys I bought: I know I will!
There's something profound and precious about giving oneself permission to be like a child, once again. In fact, the Bible says our faith is to be like that of a child. Not childish (immature, selfish, moody), but childlike - full of wonder, laughter, delight, and faith.
In the past few years there has been much talk about being spiritual Mothers and Fathers. In fact, I've talked a lot about that, myself. Even wrote a book, In Love, Where I Belong, which mentions this and I know it's important.
Yet in these past few months, I've heard the Lord remind me that being a 'Mom' doesn't negate being a daughter. I am and always will be His daughter: that came before being a 'Mom'.
It's an important distinction. When all we remember to be are 'parents', the cares and responsibilities seem to add up and sometimes seem overwhelming. When we remember to be a son or a daughter, we get to enjoy the life of a well-loved, well-protected and -provisioned child.
With all that is changing around us, its sometimes easy to worry. Children who know they're safe don't worry. In fact, if you watch a child at play, you'll remember how easy it is to be courageous. You know, capes and swords- the whole bit. Yesterday I was flipping through channels on the television and heard the character named Frank Burns, from the show MASH, say, 'Courage is something you just can't be afraid to have!' Spoken like a child.
So tonight I am giving you permission to be a daughter, to be a son. Step back from being The Responsible Party for just a moment, take a breath and look at something in your world through the eyes, the perspective of a child.You might just be surprised at how much fun life can be, once again.
Go ahead, Love Yourself to Life!
Oh, Brenda this is such an amazing confirmation for me! This last week I've been listening to some Jack Frost cd's. I've heard them before but I needed to hear them again! Jesus spent His life being a son and He modeled for us the way to live! Our Father has sons and daughters! We cannot be fathers or mothers until we have been sons and daughters! Thanks for the reminder!
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