Philly Lesson

When we visited Philadelphia as a family, Jon spent much of the time working/studying for his medical rotation. It was his second Ophthalmology rotation, and he was busy! So the kids and I needed to find something to fill our time that wouldn't cost much, because you know... medical school finances. I found this AMAZING free park called Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse. The park has this old wooden slide, and I new we would be spending most of our day there because Jonathan LOVES slides. Or so I thought.

When we arrived at the slide, my little Jonathan was so afraid! The slide is pretty big, especially for a 2 year old, and required a little mat to slide down. So in the beginning, I spent much of my time climbing to the top with him, grabbing his hand and dragging him down. I knew he would love it, as soon as he got used to it. After a while I began to get tired! I am not ashamed to admit my very busy 2 year old had much more energy than me (and I was also carrying little Hope in an Ergo). When I suggested he go by himself, he adamantly said, "NO!" and clung to my leg. It took some time, and some tears were shed. It wasn't until he realized that I would not be going down again that he eventually went down the slide on his own. And before I knew it, he was cruising the slide and shouting, "AGAIN!" at the bottom.

Here is Jonathan on the wooden slide. He was seriously so cute!

As we were driving away, the Lord spoke to my heart and said, "Isn't that how it is with you?!" And it was true. So much of my journey with the Lord is surrounded by trust issues and hesitancy until He grabs my hand and drags me down the slide of the next adventure. When it comes time for me to explore and try something new, I resist and cry. But how much more fun would I have if I trusted that the Lord knew what was best for me?! And how much joy I would get out of an adventure if I would just leap?! He knows the path I will take. He knows what I need. If I could just trust Him and move with confidence and understanding of His will, won't that save me from so much grief?! Not to say that the path is always easy or fun. But wouldn't the difficult path be made less difficult if I didn't fight Him the whole way? So much food for thought...

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.

Luke 12: 6 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one fo them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.