Trust like a child

How is everyone doing?

I must say this great weather we have been getting in Northern Ireland has really helped in the current circumstances. Being able to go out and work in the garden, or enjoy our daily walk in the sun certainly makes things a lot more pleasant than if it was tipping rain. The forecast says rain is due soon, which I’m thankful for, especially for our farmers and their crops, but I am praying we can quickly return to our lovely warm, sunny weather.

On Saturday as I lay out the back soaking up the sun, I was thinking about how well my kids adjusted to their new circumstance and, what could have been a fairly stressful change, the boys managed to transition with a lot more ease than I might have expected.

Which has certainly made life a lot more pleasant for me. Let’s face it, no matter what amount of patience and grace you possess, being cooped up at home  24/7 with the kids for five weeks is testing! No matter how much you love someone or how unbelievably adorable and cute they are, there is still a time you need them just to BE QUIET for an hour, you feel me, mums????  

So anyway, on Saturday, while I enjoyed quiet time outside in the garden, the boys inside playing individually (which means they weren’t fighting), I was thinking about how well they adjusted and even how content they seem to be with all the new restrictions in place. It’s just like they accepted, ok, the parent is saying I have to do this because it’s best, it will keep me safe and healthy, and give me the best chance of living!

There is no resistance, no argument when I say no, they don’t argue or try to reason, they just accept that Mum is doing her best to keep them safe. They don’t need to listen to the news, they don’t call their friends to verify what I’m saying is the correct information. They don’t get worried and stressed out about finances, and they don’t wish it away either. They don’t ask questions about what it will be like in summer or even how we will manage next week, they just Trust and it’s so beautiful. I  love that in their innocence they have no worries, no stress, and they are able to just be content to accept every day as it comes. If they need something, they ask. If I’ve got it and it’s suitable for them to have it, they get it. If they have to wait until I do my weekly shop, they accept they have to wait. Or if it’s just impossible at the minute, or something that’s not good for them, they just go with it! Maybe a little resistance to the no’s but, to date, their innocent trust in their parent has kept them in contentment.

A while back as I stood in awe, blown away by something one of my kids did, most likely after a day of being a rascal as they often do, not being able to put my emotions into words for the overwhelming love and joy I felt towards them, God whispered, Terri that’s how I feel about you. I’m your parent, I brought you into the world, I delight in you, and there is nothing you can do that would ever stop me loving you.

Since that, it really helped me understand the way God’s heart is for his children, only a better version, not short-tempered or tired, he doesn’t grow weary or overworked, and being a single parent is a lot easier for him.

This weekend while appreciating my children’s trust and contentment in me, I realised that it is the same trust and contentment God wants us to have in him.

“When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.””
‭‭Mark‬ ‭10:14-15‬ ‭NLT‬‬

My kids’ example to me of their innocence and trust, through a time that none of us has probably ever experienced before, gives me inspiration for the kind of trust I want to have in my daddy God.

I want to be able to trust his direction

I want to be able to trust in his provision

I want to be able to trust in his protection.

Without worry or stress of tomorrow, without resistance to the wait, without rebellion to the No.

My Prayer is that I fully embrace the Love of God, my father, with childlike faith.