Toddler Maturity

"Surely God is my salvation;

I will trust and not be afraid.

The LORD, the LORD Himself, 

is my strength and my defense,

He has become my salvation.

With joy you will draw water 

from the wells of salvation."

Isaiah 12:2-3

When I kept Addy a few weeks ago, we walked to a nearby field on pretty days to play with balls and bubbles.  One day, as we made the trek, we heard a dog barking behind a nearby fence. We were commenting on the sound puppy dogs make when the dog suddenly snarled viciously at us through the fence. Addy's eyes widened as she turned to bury her head in me and hold up her arms to be held. My protective instincts had kicked in so I met her half-way, leaning down to pick her up and get her away from there, fence or no fence. It was so beautifully  choreographed - her reaching up for protection and me reaching down to protect.  We made it to the field, enjoyed our time together, and forgot about the snarling dog.  

Addy, ready to make the trek
 to the field where we played.

Addy knew where to turn and she did. She took her eyes off the danger and buried her little body into the safety of mine. She didn't have far to go since we were already holding hands.

Robin, learn from your toddler granddaughter!  

1) Stick with God and He'll take you to some great places where you can enjoy His company and attention.

2) Hold His hand so you're walking as closely in step with Him as possible, and learn to trust Him.

3) Hold His hand so when danger crashes in on the scene, you can turn your eyes into His Presence and away from the danger.

4) Understand He is always alert and reaching down to carry you through the danger. 

5) Move on with God, sing and play, and don't let snarling dogs ruin the day.

"Surely You have granted him unending blessings

    and made him glad with the joy of Your presence."

Psalm 21:6

Father, forgive us for our fascination with danger, sin, borders, edges, cliffs, snakes and snarling dogs. Give us the faith of a toddler who is smart enough to recognize danger and turn to safety. May we see and hear the menace and run to You.  Train us to keep our eyes on You rather than facing threats on our own. Help us stay in step with You daily so we learn to trust Your heart and know You're more than ready, beyond able, and lovingly willing to grab us up into Your mighty and safe arms - whether we're in danger or just for the joy of our relationship!

In the Name of Jesus Who said, "Abide in Me" 

"I am the Vine, you are the branches.  When you're joined with me and i with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant.  Separated, you can't produce a thing.  Anyone who separates from Me is deadwood, gathered up and thrown on the bonfire. But if you make yourselves at home with Me and My words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon.  This is how my Father shows who He is--when you produce grapes, when you mature as My disciples." John 15:5-8 (The Message)