Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: TRUST (07/21/16)
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TITLE: Pedalling with my Pre-schooler | Previous Challenge Entry
By Nicki Jeffery
07/26/16 -
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“You go first on the road, Mummy, and I go first on the paths.”
“That’s right, Ethan.” My tyres bump down the kerb. Turning my head, I watch my son do the same. “Stay left, near the grass.”
Determination in his mind and heart, Ethan pedals at double my rate to keep up with me. When we come to the first footpath, he overtakes me and rides on. I follow closely behind him.
He listens for my voice as I periodically give him instructions. “Check the driveways, Ethan. Look left, look right, look left. Slow down.”
After we cross the wooden foot bridge, I ask, “Where would you like to ride next?”
“This way Mummy.” Ethan calls over his shoulder, turning right and heading for McDonalds.
As the wind caresses my face, my thoughts drift into my memory bank. Ethan once lived in my womb. My body was his home. My voice was familiar. Trust was built from those developing stages of life.
My baby grew to full term and was born. I held him in my arms for the first time. When his blue eyes could focus, he beheld my face. I was his world.
Ethan trusted me to meet all of his needs. I breastfed him round the clock. I changed his nappies. I held him. I played with him.
I was excited when he reached 12 months of age and he could ride in the baby seat on the back of my bicycle. His neck was strong enough to support his head and cope with the bumpy roads we travelled down. Once or twice he even fell asleep as I pedalled.
As a mother I took responsibility for my baby, my toddler, my pre-schooler. Each stage of his life has brought new challenges. Decisions to give him more freedom. Discipline when he needs to learn lessons in life.
You and I are God’s children. First of all, He knit you together in your mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13). He knew you before He formed you, and He brought you into the world (Jeremiah 1:5). He is your father. Your loving, doting Daddy.
Like my bike ride with my son, God travels with you. Sometimes He rides in front of you, checking over his shoulder that you are following and you are okay. Sometimes He gives you the freedom to ride in front. He stays right with you. “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21 NIV.
When I ride with my son, there are times when he falls off his bike. It happens quickly. I disembark and run to his side. He stays on the ground until I come. I help him up, check for wounds, cuddle him and stand his bike upright. Sometimes tears spill down his soft cheeks. Or he bites his lip and holds his emotions within. But he has the courage to continue on with his Mummy.
My son trusts me because I have been with him all his life. I have loved him, provided for his needs, and answered his call for help a multitude of times.
You and I can trust God because He has been with us all our lives. He has loved us, provided for our needs, and answered our calls for help a multitude of times. We may not have known His presence from a young age. We may not have realised we are His children. But when we met Jesus, He introduced us to His father.
Chris Tomlin’s song, “Good Good Father” reminds us of who God is. He is a father. The best father. He is trustworthy. God longs to gather His children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings (Matthew 23:37).
At night I tuck Ethan into bed and kiss his soft cheek. He tests my patience every day. He mirrors my emotions and shows me the worst traits of my character. But my love for him is unchanging.
Let’s put our hope and trust in our great God. Unlike an imperfect parent, He is always patient and kind. His love for us is unchanging.
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