One Big, and Two Little Monkeys

It's quite the scene.  I bite my nails and hold my breath as my 3 year old son Ryan dangles by one foot behind Leroy's back.  I gasp as Leroy, Trinity and Ryan body slam each other on the bed, play steam roller and have tackle tickle fights. I think it's a mom thing, but why is it so hard to just let them have fun?  The kids have never gotten hurt while playing with Daddy.  He is always very careful (although it doesn't seem like it) and he's keeping close watch that everyone's safe, but I just can't help it. I sometimes have to just walk away and pray for all of their safety.

We've made conscious decisions and a concentrated effort to teach our kids not to be scared of things unnecessarily.  Our kids aren't scared to talk to new people, because we haven't taught them to be. We have however, told them that it's always a good idea to have a trusted grown-up with them whenever they talk to someone new. Safety is the most important thing, but it's also important that they don't grow up believing that every new person is a threat. We've taught them that certain animals don't have to be scary, but we do need to be wise and careful around them.  I don't want my kids growing up with a phobia of snakes or spiders, just because a grown up told them to feel that way.  There's no reason to instill fear in them that's not necessary. Caution is the key. Teaching them wisdom is key. I want whatever we teach them to be a stepping stone for them to move forward into their future confidently, not in fear of people or things.

In saying this, I'm reminded of a time when Trinity couldn't have been more than 2 yrs old. One day, Leroy decided to take her to the park, and I took the chance to get some other things done. I let the two of them go and have some daddy/daughter time. Leroy came home so excited, because Trinity was brave and fearless, and was climbing the jungle gym by herself with the big kids. I had never let her do that, and in my opinion she was much to small for it. She was only two, so tiny, and she was a princess! I was so glad I wasn't there to see it, because I would have been a nervous wreck.

In typical Leroy fashion, the same scenario unfolded with Ryan when he was about the same age. This time however, I was perched on the park bench 15 feet away, saying "Leroy are you sure he's okay? What if he falls? Don't you think he should go up the stairs instead?"

Ryan was a little hesitant. He hadn't done this before, but Daddy was telling him he could. So, he fearlessly stepped up to the bars, and planted his first foot. He looked back at Daddy, who was not helping him, but was standing closely behind him, just in case. Leroy said "You can do it, go ahead." So Ryan proceeded to take a few steps. Leroy carefully kept watch. As he proceeded up the side of the play area, he slipped a little, and lost his footing. At this point the first thing I wanted to do was jump up and grab him, but Leroy didn't. He walked him through finding where his feet should go, and let him keep going. "Great job Ryan, you can do it, I told you that you could." I watched Leroy beam with pride, right alongside Ryan as he made it to the top without Daddy doing it for him. But even if Daddy didn't physically help him, Daddy was a big part in his success. He probably would not have found the courage to try without Daddy's encouragement. He wouldn't have kept going if Daddy hadn't been right behind him cheering him on, and he may have fallen if he didn't have a coach to guide him. Leroy was probably prouder of him, than he was of himself as he stood at the top of those bars.

I think you know where I'm going with this. What has your Heavenly Father told you to do? What is it that He has for your life? Have you been reluctant? Do you believe in yourself as much as He believes in you? As you place your first foot on that path, He's behind you to encourage, guide and protect you. But He can't do it for you, you have to choose to make that first step. You will not always feel confident through the process. You will need to focus, and listen to the still small voice, that knows you can do it. The same one that told you to begin the journey to start with.  When you stumble, He will guide you back to your feet. He is with you every step of the journey, and He will be so proud when you make it to your destination.

"Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path."     ~Proverbs 3:5-6~