Safe or Sidelined?
I was sitting outside one of my favorite coffee shops, breathing in the tantalizing aroma of coffee and happily sipping a really fabulous cup of this divine brew. I watched as a dad walked his toddler out of the coffee shop to their car. After opening the car door, this dad gently picked his son up, ready to put him into his car seat. And then it happened… total toddler meltdown! We’re talking kicking, crying, thrashing, arms flailing… This little guy, happy just moments before, did NOT want to be in his car seat! His dad was a rock-star and gently but firmly placed his child in the car seat, despite his ardent protests, speaking reassuring words to his son the entire time until he calmed down and relaxed into the safety of his seat. This dad loved his son enough to put him in the safest place he could, even though it’s the last place his son wanted to be!
Watching this scene unfold, I couldn’t help but think how often I do this to my Heavenly Father… He oh so gently places me in what He knows is the most protective and safe place for me in that moment, but I kick and cry, and thrash, and do my best to escape it, as it isn’t where I wanted to be! As an adult, my meltdowns look a lot more like avoiding a conversation or situation, justifying why I couldn’t possibly do that or go there, complaining about how I’m restless, or unsatisfied, or bored, or… All while I’m exactly where I am supposed to be.
For this fiercely independent girl who craves adventure and new experiences constantly, sitting in that safe place feels a lot more like a time out or getting sidelined, than being protected. I’m learning though. There is an immeasurable beauty and peacefulness that comes from not fighting being protected! There is an immeasurable beauty and peacefulness that comes from not fighting being protected! Share on XI’m learning to listen to the reassuring words of my Father and try to not battle Him quite so hard when I know He is only doing what He knows is best for me.
What about you? Where are you fighting relaxing into that place of safety? Where do you need to take a deep breath and listen to the voice of the Father, trusting He has your best at heart?