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Woman to Woman

Child’s Play

One morning on my way to work, I stopped to wait for a light and while I waited I observed a mother with two young children standing under a tree.

The little girl about 5 years old played and jumped but stayed close to her mother. Every now and then she would run up to her mom and grab on to her, sometimes she would kiss her hand, look up and smile. In return, the mother would tickle her nose or play with her hair and throw her kisses. This made the child happy. She would then go off and play some more returning again and again, lavishing her sincere and childish affections on her mother. This went on until it was time for me to pull away.

As I observed this child’s play, I thought about the words of Jesus, “unless you become like little children, you cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven”.

I began thinking more and more about what Jesus meant. But as I observed the scenario between the child and the mother I was able to make some interesting observations.

First, the child stayed within the view of the mother, secure and comfortable that she had the protection of the person who was her protector as long as she stayed within her boundaries.

How often do we wander away from the protection of the Father? We get caught up in our own lives and drift away without even realizing how far we’ve strayed. Just like sheep, we nibble and nibble and get so far off, that the enemy finds us alone and unprotected and he preys on our unsuspecting souls.

Our safety is the Lord Himself. I love the way Psalm 91:1 puts it. “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” You have to stay very close to be within that shadow. There is not much room for wandering or straying. We must remain in close proximity of His loving protection for us.

Secondly, I observed the child’s intermittent affections to her mother. Perhaps while in her child’s play she knew Mom was watching and all was well. She was able to enjoy her childlike play with peace. She would take her mother’s hand and kiss it and hug her and then she would be off to play again.

How often do we stop our lives to show our Heavenly Father affection, to say, “thank you for watching over me, while I live life. Thank you for letting me abide in the shadow of Your protection and for letting me experience your love.”

Watching this child this morning left me with an ache in my heart. I know my Father is always ready to come to my rescue, to comfort me, to love me and to provide for me. But I am not always like that child who stayed close to her mother. I drift, allowing the cares of life to pull me away from the shadow’s boundaries that I should keep. I am not always as affectionate with my Heavenly Father as I should be. And far too often neglect His need for my love and affection.

I don’t know about you, but I know I am going to be more mindful of staying close to the Father, within the shadow, close to His heart, and I am going to make it a priority in my life to show Him more affection.

Father, thank you for loving me unconditionally. Thank you for keeping me even when I stray. Teach me to stay close to you and to make loving you my priority in life. In Jesus name, Amen.