Saturday, September 11, 2010

What I Learned from a Boy Tiger

Once upon a time there was a boy tiger. He was the mightiest in the whole forest, could attack and beat any predator, and even had magical disappearing powers. Sometimes the other animals would think he was a lion.. and sometimes he was.. either that or a leopard, cheetah, bear, or wolf. But all the same he was untouchable. No deer, antelope, giraffe, or zebra could stand up to him. Even the gorillas were scared. He would roam around protecting his family and finding food. And when he got injured, he would ask for some lovings and heal up in no time. 


This story is played out between me and an adorable 5 year-old. Adventures come and go, change or repeat, get worse or more exciting. But we never stop the game. He smirks and talks out of the side of his mouth making me work hard to hold in the laughter as he whispers something serious. Then one night he blurts out of the blue, "I love you, Hannah!" Touched straight to the core I tell him I love him too and fluff his head as we chase after a blanket to do 'hot dog' one more time. But as I think about it, it really is that simple. He has no worries because he knows his family will be there to take care of him. His animal character, the boy tiger, has no worries because even when he gets injured he knows he can always come back to his family for healing. As I thought more about it, I realized that even when I'm far from home and may get injured or scared, I have my family to count on. My immediate family as well as my Christian family. Those that are telling me goodbye and promising to pray for me will always be there for me when I'm scared or hurting no matter how far I travel. So as I stared into the bright blue eyes of this playing child, I was infinitely reminded how thankful I am for my many friends that have supported me and promise to continue in that support. I love you all so very much and cannot even begin to describe how blessed I am to know you. As I take off in a very short 36 hours, I lean on all of you to be my support. God is my stronghold, and you are his strength manifested in human form just the way I need it. I love you all, and thanks for teaching me to rely on the family God has given me, Ashton!!

Monday, September 06, 2010

Perspective God from 4 to 14

There's only one difference between being 4 and 14. When you're 4 you have all the questions, and when you're 14 you have all the answers. This is such a true representation of growing up. Kids begin with a mind of wonder; their most frequent word is "why?" But with the coming of age comes the gaining of knowledge along with the false sense of their knowledge being all-inclusive. I say false sense because mere lack of experience proves lack of knowledge in a variety of areas, proving that though they think they know all, they really know very little. The natural tendency of humans is to reject the advice of those in authority, or those older and more versed in life, because of confidence in self. Where many times in retrospect the regret springs up from time-discovered ignorance. Why is it then that we don't listen the next time? The same is true when it comes to God. At first when we're baby Christians we ask all the questions. We're curious and want to know how it all works. But once we gain some confidence we somehow have all the answers. Nothing can touch us, and we don't need God as much anymore. He's there, but we can take care of ourselves. Buzz. God knows everything, and we know nothing. Life experiences can prove how ignorant of God's plan we are. When things don't go our way or they happen and we can't understand why, sometimes we flip and ask "Why me, God? What are you doing? How did I come to deserve this?" Then on the other side of life, we're blessed abundantly and we barely take the time to turn around and say "Thanks, God." Yet the same Lord is behind it all. So how come we only give him control when we want to? And how is it "fair" that we can blame him for all the trials he allowed, and yet never thank him for the million blessings we hardly notice? The Bible tells us to trust God with all our heart (Proverbs 3:5-6), and it even says he'll work everything out for our good and his glory if we are his (Romans 8:28). Why then do we act like 14 year-olds and try to take control? Even at 18 I'm graduated, leaving the country, and in charge of my own life. I know what's up. But throw a wrench in MY plans and everything is terrible all of a sudden, and life sucks. So why don't I just trust God in the first place and not have to worry when things may change? It's because I'm acting 14. I have all the answers. I need to be 4 again. Jesus told his disciples to view the Kingdom of Heaven through the eyes of a child because the least of these would inherit the Kingdom of God (Matthew 19:14). So 4 years old, here I come. God, make me 4 again, take control so that even when I don't understand and ask why, you can say, "Because you're my child and I love you, it's going to be good."