Child-like

Today, I sat talking to the precious little one that I have had the privilege of watching for the past 2 school years. While it wasn't intended for me to be there today, I'm glad events lead me to be. While we were talking, daddy was mentioned, at the mention of him, he started to cry. Not a tantrum, but deep, sincere, heartfelt tears simply because he missed his daddy.

As I held him in my lap, I am reminded of the sweet little eighteen month old that he was when I first started. Even then, we had these days when he would be upset because mommy and daddy had to work. As I held him, it's hard for me to believe that he's now three and a half. Now, unlike when he was a year and a half, we can discuss why daddy was at work. After calming him down, he went and started to play. As I watched him, I couldn't help but be reminded of the call on us believers. Those of us who believe in Christ as savior of the world are supposed to be like this three year old.

When was the last time we felt alone due to the fact that we felt the void of not having our Daddy as close as he once was? How many of us, when we feel the absence of our Father respond with the sadness that we should? Sadness, not because He left our side, but because we fell out of step with His plans for us. Sure, maybe it was accidental. Perhaps though, for some, it was intentional.

Busyness and distractions are probably the two biggest things Satan uses against those of us who profess a love for God and His son. Satan uses, and succeeds at using them, far too often. I don't know what sort of things the enemy uses to draw you away. However, I do know that he LOVES to use my work, he definitely uses my habitual laziness, and often, he uses my willingness to help those around me.

That's right, for me, Satan uses a God-given trait to draw me away from God. I am a (recovering) people pleaser and an over-committer. I have seen and felt how Satan can use BOTH of these in tandem to draw me away from seeking a deep, intimate relationship with God. After all, if he can keep us busy by disguising it as service to God, he knows we'll concentrate on serving Him rather than searching Him.

If you're like me and have a hard time saying no, especially to things that are essentially and naturally good/godly things, I would encourage you to seek Him and ensure He's really calling you to it. I would also warn you to not over-commit yourself and get so busy that you lose track of your walk and even yourself in the midst of all that's going on. Also, if you feel yourself starting to get burnt out because of all you're doing, I'd encourage you that it's okay to take a step back for a while and refresh yourself before going back to it again, and maybe when you go back trim down the amount of things you are involved in, in hopes to avoid burn out.

Now, backing away may not be as easy as it sounds. Especially when you have been involved for a while and have grown fond of the people that surround you. Trust me though, sometimes we need to step back for a little while. I have had to do this in the the not too distant past. It may and probably will be hard at first, but over time, if it's something He's called you away from, it will become the most freeing thing you have ever experienced.

For those who have intentionally walked away from God, I don't know your story, or why you have chosen the path you go down. I do know, however, that the God you once followed still loves and cares for you deeper than you can imagine. I know beyond a shadow of doubt that He is waiting for you to turn around and acknowledge Him. The longer you keep your back to Him the more His heart breaks for you. Like I said, I don't know what lead you to walk away, but I can guarantee that if you do turn back to Him, your life will be blessed and the rewards will be well worth the trials that come along with following God.

Now, if you're reading this and don't know God, or you do and don't have or don't understand what it means to be a follower of Him, join the club. None of us who follow Him have it all together. Most of us would like you to think we do, but if we're honest, we're as broken (if not more so) than anyone else. If you would like to know more about this relationship I have with Him, do me a favor, either drop me a comment or an e-mail (godsbeloved110@yahoo.com) with any comments/concerns/questions you have for me. I promise you, I will do my best to answer the questions. If I don't have the answers right now, I promise you, that I will find them for you.

So, will you (no matter what stage you are in) join me in becoming like the precious three year old? Are you willing to cry for your Daddy when you don't see/feel Him near? If not, my friend, will you share what may be holding you back, so that I might pray with you in your time of need?

A Humbled Servant