Buckle Up

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Over the last few months, I’ve noticed one of my granddaughters getting a little distant. It started with her not wanting to sit with me at church and then at family gatherings, she didn’t speak to me as much as she had in the past. When they would leave she would always ask me to buckle her in her car seat even though she was perfectly capable and even that has stopped.

It made me a bit sad that we weren’t as close as we had been and I hoped it was just a phase she was going through. I really did miss talking with her, holding her, and being close to her.

Then about a week ago they were leaving our home and she ran back in and gave me a hug and asked if I would buckle her in, it felt wonderful to have her back.

The whole experience made me think that God probably feels the same way about us. He enjoys spending time with us, talking with us, and preparing us for the road ahead. But we often start thinking that we are capable of handling life on our own. We desire to be independent and in that independence, we push Him away. We think that we are growing up and maturing, but the truth is we need Him even more as life becomes bigger and more difficult to manage.

Given that God knows everything that lies ahead in my life I would feel much safer knowing that He has “buckled me in.” Wouldn’t you? Perhaps it’s time we ran back to Him for a hug and invited Him into every part of our lives again.

Lord, thank you for teaching moments. Often I try to be independent and figure life out on my own, but Lord, I need You every day. I want Your leading in my life and I want the security of knowing that Your hands are upon every detail in it. I’m sorry for the times that I have pushed You aside and broken Your heart. Please forgive me. Thank you for Your unconditional love. In Jesus’ name, amen.