Hanging on

So I was reminded today of something Kevin said in an old sermon...Something about how ultimately it is not a baby/child holding a caretaker (he may have said mother) that makes the baby safe, but that the caretaker is holding it. I probably butchered that, but stay with me.

Helen is two. Helen is scared of dogs. Nel let Maddie (a great, gentle, calm, medium-size dog) upstairs. Upon the sight Helen cried and screamed straight to me. She could have chosen her blanket, her three year old brother, or running hard the other way, but she chose me...the one who could protect her. She grabbed me with strength that well surpasses her young age and tighter than I can even remember a child grabbing me. This was the reminder that no matter how she grabbed me, it was my hold that would "save" her (By this time Maddie had lost interest and was standing by the door to be let outside). As I got up with Helen in my arms to let Maddie out she grabbed me even tighter, her head crying into my shoulder. But I did it, I let Maddie out and back downstairs knowing that Helen was safe and would be best after Maddie was back in the basement.

This made me think of two things. First even though Helen was probably thinking something like why would she take me anywhere close to that dog, I saw the end that would be for Helen's good (Maddie going downstairs). For me I realize that I am far to worried about short term trials then trusting the God who created everything and knows the plans that he has for me, plans to prosper me and not to harm me, plans to give me hope and a future. Second I realized that I don't run to God, find my security in him, cry to him and trust him enough...ultimately it is not my "grab" on God that matters, but his on me. I do however want to join David in saying

O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you;

my soul thirsts for you;
my flesh faints for you,
as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.

Psalm 63:1