Knights Becoming and a Lady in Waiting

Clinging to God

There is nothing, absolutely nothing, like the feel of a baby clinging to you.  Right now, when it's hot out, I have a mostly-naked baby just wrapping herself right into me with that loose-limbed softness that only babies have.  She's not very heavy.  She's not too terribly squirmy yet.  She doesn't remotely want to be put down.

Then there's my two-year-old.  He likes to "wiv you" everywhere (go with you) and even still likes "uppie" on occasion.  He's much more solid than his sister, though, and will squirm to get down and "me do" when he tires of being held.  Only when he's sick or tired does he go back to clinging to me.

Next is the four-year-old.  He likes to hold my hand, but otherwise walk by himeself.  Even when he's sick, he prefers to sit on the couch next to me, leaning in, rather than in my lap.  He has to be asleep, not just tired, to let me pick him up and hold him.  When I do, he's all legs and elbows-- quite an armful.

Finally, there's a six-year-old.  No hand-holding for HIM.  He doesn't even want to walk next to me.  He wants to run ahead, stopping only when I call "too far" (or "red light" if we're doing it that way).  When he's sick, he wants to go to bed by himself and sleep.  I do still get to pick him up when he falls asleep (which isn't often!), but he is an ungainly bundle and heavy.  Why I haven't dropped him yet is a miracle of God.

I treasure the different times I get with my different children, but it is always the baby stage I love the most.  Not the newborn helpless stage; although there is some wonder to it, it's when the children are old enough to be aware of exactly who mommy is and still want to cling to me that it is the most remarkable.

My Christian walk is like that, as well, but reversed.  I often want to run ahead of God, waiting impatiently for Him to "catch up" when he gently reminds me "too far" or puts up a red light.  I would guess that I'm often quite a burden to carry on those occasions when my faith falls asleep and it's only God's arms that keep me moving in the right direction.

Other times, when I'm walking in the Word, independent but still willing to be cuddled, I can feel God holding my hand, guiding me down the correct path and preventing me from crossing streets when danger is coming.  Still, I'm a bit of an armful for my loving Father, who gently holds me close when I need comfort.

When I am even closer to God, I want to go "wiv You" everywhere.  Where He leads, I want to follow... sometimes I even want to be carried.  I don't wait for illness to bring me into God's presence; just a simple desire for "uppie" will bring me spiritually closer to the realms of Heaven.

My favorite way to be, though?  I want to be a baby before God.  I want to cling to him with everything in my power.  I don't want this because I'm afraid of falling, although there are times when I definitely stay closer out of fear than out of love or obedience.  I don't do this because I don't have the knowledge or ability to walk on my own.  I'm quite an independent soul and was strong-willed even as a child.  Religion is not a crutch for me.  I do it because this is my Daddy, my protector, my creator, my joyous playmate, and my hero.  This is the one who clothes me in righteousness, feeds me the Bread of Life and Living Water, and changes me when I am soiled.  He has washed me clean-- and does so every time that I need another bath.  He would give His life for me.  He already has given His life for me.

Most days, at best, I'm a two-year-old.  I want some contact, but I'm exploring my limits and sometimes I just plain want down.  On my worst days, I'm my six-year-old, running far ahead and only stopping when I hear a firm voice warning me back from my folly.  On rare occasions, though, I am an infant, adoring my Father and holding on to Him out of the pure love of a little child.

But Jesus called the children to Him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to these."

Luke 18:16

 

Come near to God and He will come near to you...

James 4:8

Beautiful!

12:20 PM, Apr. 14, 2006 .. Posted by jaminacema

This is wonderful One of the most touching posts I have read. You brought tears to my eyes! Thank you for this beautiful reminder of how God loves us.

By The Way....

12:50 PM, Apr. 14, 2006 .. Posted by jaminacema

I loved this post so much I wrote a little blurb on my blog encouraging people to come over and read it. Thanks again!

Untitled Comment

7:20 PM, Apr. 14, 2006 .. Posted by writmm

A beautiful post. I followed Jamin's recommendation to stop by. I am glad I did!

Wow!

7:57 PM, Apr. 14, 2006 .. Posted by dinomomm

This was so moving! I follewed a link from jaminacema's blog, and I'm glad I did. What an awesome heavenly Father we have, and what a touching description of our dependence on Him you shared. Thank you.

HALLELUJAH!

6:41 AM, Apr. 15, 2006 .. Posted by JessieWalkingByFaith

I loved reading that. Thank you so much. You paint pictures with your words. May we always be a baby before our Father. Hallelujah!!!! ((Hugs)) Jessie

A must-read for all Christians!

6:13 PM, Apr. 18, 2006 .. Posted by InHizImage

I loved this so much I put it on my MySpace blog and told people about it. One of my comments said, "Your sister is so cool!"
I agree.
This was so well written and a great reminder to us all. Wish all Christians had a chance to read it!

Congratulations!

11:18 PM, May. 17, 2006 .. Posted by HSBCompanyBlog

You were our "Best of" Contest Inspirational winner. This entry is such a blessing. May we all be clinging to Him like a baby.

Email me your address for your prize.
Blessings,
Nancy Carter
Senior Editor of HSB
NCarter@TheHomeschoolMagazine.com