I think there is a lot to be learnt by watching small children. I sometimes think they are my greatest teachers haha.
Imagine this with me for a moment...
...a small child is trying to tie his shoe laces by himself despite the fact he is way too young to be able to manage this feat. His father sees him struggling, sees his frustration and moves towards him to help. But the stubborn little boy grunts and grimaces in his Father's direction. 'no daddy'...'me do it'... the little boy insists.
And so the Father backs off. He respects his son's wishes and leaves him to it - but is still watching from nearby. He's ready to help just as soon as his son asks but not a moment before.
Finally the boy admits defeat. With a grumpy look on his face he cries 'dad'. And in less than a moment his father is there. He scoops his boy into his arms and swings him round. He tells his son how proud he is of his efforts. And then he gently sets him down and says 'let's do it together'. And so that's what they do. Of course the father does most of the work but somehow makes the boy feel like it was mostly his work. In my experience good parents have a real gift for doing that...
It occured to me that I can learn a lot about what it means for God to be our Father by watching how loving parents interact with their kids. I think that God treats us a lot like the Father in this story. He loves us dearly and is always close by and wanting to help. But he respects our desire to do it alone - he's a complete gentleman, doesn't force himself on us.
We all have a choice about how we live. We can live with God or live without him. We can live life our own way according to our own plan. Or we can live life in partnership with God, following his plan and living life with the help of his Holy Spirit (which is given to us as a free gift when we believe and trust in Jesus). God allows us to make that choice for ourselves and he totally repects our decision. Like a loving Father, he doesn't like to see us struggle alone and He's always close by secretly willing us to turn to Him for help. But He never forces his way in to our lives. He always waits to be invited. In the Bible, Jesus said, "I stand at the door and knock." Will you let Him in? Or pretend you didn't hear Him?
A friend of mine recently made the decision to invite God into her life. I'm amazed by the difference I see in her. She's still the same fun loving, crazy, creative girl I know and love. But there's something different now - like a whole new part of her has been awakened. Living life with God isn't always easy. In fact often it's harder. But it's a bigger adventure, you feel more alive. Living for yourself is certainly easier but seems so meaningless. Living for God gives you a sense of purpose - you are living for something greater than yourself. And you're no longer doing it alone either. My friend certainly isn't finding life easy at the minute but there's this amazing, inspiring sense of peace and joy that she has and it kinda rubs off on you as you talk to her. It's obvious to see that her new found relationship with God has transformed her (kinda like how being in love can transform a person and bring out the best in them) and she has hope and a sense of security through all her troubles because of it.
So, what will your decision be? Will you let God in or do you still want to go it alone?
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