His little brow furrows as he purses his lips and exclaims, “No, me do it mineself.” (Yes, he’s two. How did you guess?)
The same furrowed brow and pursed lips show up many times each day as he strives to do the things he lacks the skills to do because he is only two. Zippers that little fingers can’t finagle. Buckles that refuse to buckle. Trees that cannot be climbed. Bikes that cannot be peddled.
But when he submits to his mama’s help and direction, zippers climb to his chin and he stays warm. The seat buckle holds him securely. He scales the low branches of the trees and feels like he is king of his own little world. Bikes are exchanged for trikes, and he peddles around and around with a smile of sheer bliss on his face.
How many times am I like my two-year-old? How many times do I tell my Heavenly Father, “Nah, I’ve got this”? I strive to make up for what I lack by trying harder, by burning the midnight oil, by struggling with all my might.
Yet, if I would only submit to the Father’s help and direction, he would fill in my weaknesses with his strength. He would show me what truly matters and give me the strength I need to do those while gently loosening my steely grip on those that don’t matter.
And in that submission, what I lack becomes a way for his glory to shine brightly and joy to flood my soul as I learn to lean on his steadfast strength instead of on my own feeble efforts.
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
I’m linking up today over at Five-Minute-Friday’s Link-up Party. Hop over there to see other’s musings on the word “Lack.”
I’d love to send encouragement straight to your inbox. I promise I won’t flood your inbox, just a once a week email with encouragement for your mom journey and links I’ve found interesting and/or helpful in my own journey of motherhood. If that sounds like something you’d enjoy, just fill in the form below.
Control. That’s such a difficult thing to relinquish, even to God. Yet, of course, we know it would make life that much better, that much easier. My 4th child is 3 (the others tween and teens and have already been there), and there are so many times I just want him to understand that it would go much easier if I did it instead. Thank you for sharing, and I love the picture!
I think the struggle of relinquishing control will be one we battle our whole lives. Thank you so much for your words of wisdom and encouragement!
Yes, my children are 9, 7, and 6, but I learn so many lessons from watching my children tnteract with the world around them. Many times I tell my nine years old that what I am trying to teach her I am also still learning. I hope you have a lovely weekend.
I have so much to learn still. So glad I’m not the only one. You have a great weekend too!