I love how God shows us profound principles through everyday circumstances. Today while retrieving our runaway dog, was one of those times for me.
During Jax's earlier years, he would escape from our fenced-in backyard any chance he got. He was eager for adventure and exploration. Now, at 12 years old, he doesn't venture out as much and doesn't get as far away as he used to, but will still attempt to, on a regular basis. Our fence has seen its better days and so there are many spots where he is able to crawl under and begin to trot happily around our neighborhood. I keep thinking, "what if one of these days, a driver doesn't see him crossing the road?" I can't bear to think of the outcome.
Today, I realized Jax had escaped and set out to find him. I quickly saw that he was in the neighbor's yard across the street and as I approached him, holding out my arms, he stood still and hung his head, waiting for me to pick him up. In that moment, my eyes were opened to how such a simple circumstance had so clearly mirrored how God our Father views a wayward child.
I wasn't mad at him. I just love him and don't want him to get hurt. While surrounding spaces might look appealing to Jax, I know as his loving authority that he will be safer and happier where he belongs - with our family. This is true of us as God's children! When we wander from our safe place of close communion with the Lord, He doesn't look at us through a lens of condemnation. He loves us and doesn't want us to get hurt. He also knows that, just like Jax wandering into the street, it may tragically be to our destruction if we keep going our own way. He loves us too much to sit back and let that happen! So, as our loving authority, He pursues us in our wandering. He approaches us with His arms open wide.
If we humble ourselves and allow Him to pick us up, we'll hear Him say "Come back where you belong - at home in my arms." And He will carry us there.
Sunday, March 4, 2018
Saturday, March 3, 2018
Letter to the {8th} Birthday Girl
Dear Lily,
It's crazy to me that we are celebrating eight years of life with you! I delight in learning who God made you to be and also being flexible enough to roll with the changes that come. I continue to be surprised that the Lord would give me such a tremendous gift of beauty - the gift of you.
This year I started to recognize different parts of your character deepen. You truly are a compassionate person. I can sense your heartache when you are aware of other people going through a time of pain or suffering. You also value justice. When we read through the missionary stories each morning, you are moved with a righteous justice when you hear details of people being treated wrongly and it impacts you. I wonder about how God might use those beautiful Christ-like qualities in you to make a difference in this world, as you grow. I pray you'll listen to His voice and follow His call, wherever that may lead.
You are still very reserved and quiet when meeting new people or around adults. I want you to know that is not a bad thing. I was the same as a little girl. However, I want you to open up that heart of yours to be willing to be stretched and changed for the glory of God. We can each learn and grow as we seek Him in humble surrender.
I love your joy and your thoughtfulness. I really enjoy that you are still interested in having lots of conversations and quality time with me. I cherish the opportunity to be together and I'm always mindful that the abundant quantity we get never diminishes how much it means to both of us.
You are such a helper! You have become quite sufficient in household functions. A couple months ago, Daddy and I were sick on the same night and you did the homemaking tasks so well, without any help. It was such an encouragement to me.
This year, our family gained two pets through you. You bought Lola with your own money and caring for that sweet bunny has been both a lesson in responsibility and an added element of fun to our home. For Christmas, Grandma Niki gave you your dream pet - your very own horse! Your spirit soars when you are with Freedom and I am looking forward to seeing you make memories with her. You two are a great match!
When we are doing our homeschool curriculum, you are constantly needing to be reminded to focus on your 2nd grade work instead of giving your brother his preschool answers. Though it can be frustrating, it does reveal your desire to teach and lead, which I have confidence will be a blessing in various ways as you mature.
You and I are so much alike and yet I marvel at how God made you uniquely. I like your company and consider it a remarkable privilege to walk with you through life. Your smile warms my heart. I pray that today and always, you will know how much you are treasured. The God of the Universe pursues you as His daughter and calls you His own. You are loved with an everlasting love. Happy 8th Birthday, Lily.
Love,
Mommy
It's crazy to me that we are celebrating eight years of life with you! I delight in learning who God made you to be and also being flexible enough to roll with the changes that come. I continue to be surprised that the Lord would give me such a tremendous gift of beauty - the gift of you.
This year I started to recognize different parts of your character deepen. You truly are a compassionate person. I can sense your heartache when you are aware of other people going through a time of pain or suffering. You also value justice. When we read through the missionary stories each morning, you are moved with a righteous justice when you hear details of people being treated wrongly and it impacts you. I wonder about how God might use those beautiful Christ-like qualities in you to make a difference in this world, as you grow. I pray you'll listen to His voice and follow His call, wherever that may lead.
You are still very reserved and quiet when meeting new people or around adults. I want you to know that is not a bad thing. I was the same as a little girl. However, I want you to open up that heart of yours to be willing to be stretched and changed for the glory of God. We can each learn and grow as we seek Him in humble surrender.
I love your joy and your thoughtfulness. I really enjoy that you are still interested in having lots of conversations and quality time with me. I cherish the opportunity to be together and I'm always mindful that the abundant quantity we get never diminishes how much it means to both of us.
You are such a helper! You have become quite sufficient in household functions. A couple months ago, Daddy and I were sick on the same night and you did the homemaking tasks so well, without any help. It was such an encouragement to me.
This year, our family gained two pets through you. You bought Lola with your own money and caring for that sweet bunny has been both a lesson in responsibility and an added element of fun to our home. For Christmas, Grandma Niki gave you your dream pet - your very own horse! Your spirit soars when you are with Freedom and I am looking forward to seeing you make memories with her. You two are a great match!
When we are doing our homeschool curriculum, you are constantly needing to be reminded to focus on your 2nd grade work instead of giving your brother his preschool answers. Though it can be frustrating, it does reveal your desire to teach and lead, which I have confidence will be a blessing in various ways as you mature.
You and I are so much alike and yet I marvel at how God made you uniquely. I like your company and consider it a remarkable privilege to walk with you through life. Your smile warms my heart. I pray that today and always, you will know how much you are treasured. The God of the Universe pursues you as His daughter and calls you His own. You are loved with an everlasting love. Happy 8th Birthday, Lily.
Love,
Mommy
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