What my daughter taught me today

Sometimes, nothing ministers to me more than a parenting moment. 

I recently had the privilege of pushing my daughter on a swing, and I'm not quite sure who enjoyed it more. I suspect it was me. It was so sweet to watch her exuberantly smile, and enjoy the breeze as she swung back and forth. Before long, she got the hang of it, picked up speed, and was going at a pretty impressive clip. She was quite proud of her newly discovered bravery (which I think had more to do with the influence of the bigger kids around her), than mommy's encouragement. Nevertheless, I let her go for it and I was glad to see that she wasn't held back by her fears. Her confidence was evidence that she trusted me; that she was safe, and I wasn't going to let her fall. I knew that by tapping into this, it would monumentally change the whole scope and feel of her summer. Trips to the park would never be the same. And as I watched her thoroughly enjoying herself, it occurred to me that I was watching faith in action.

At this point, I was drawing some serious parallels between this and my walk with the Father. I saw myself on my own life-swing... cautious and fearful, just waiting for my ropes to snap. How I waste time being afraid, when I could be living life to the fullest. A life that Jesus Himself, promised i could have!

I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Jn.10:10

 And God used this opportunity to address that my fears are answered in His faithfulness. My pessimism is answered in His power and protection and my discouragement is met in His delight for me, His daughter.

art by Cliff Hawley

 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

2 Cor. 9:8 

 Thankful that the Lord is faithful to use little things like swings to make much of Himself and draw us close in the process! Truly blessed.