Several days ago I walked into my daughter and son-in-law's home for a visit. My granddaughter Yetzy, now 8 months old, caught sight of me and crawled as fast as she could toward me with total excitement and joy in her eyes. Uninhibited, unencumbered, fully expecting her grandma to pick her up and kiss her entire face. Which of course, I did.
Later as I rocked her to sleep, I found myself staring into her angelic face.
As I stared, I thought to myself, “This is how we all started, for the most part: trusting, loving, full of joy. No walls of protection, no chains of bondage, no fear of rejection.”
I continued to rock Yetzy, gazing at her from time to time in awe of the trust she had in the one holding her. I had done nothing to earn her trust other than simply love her. Hmmm…my thoughts turned to my Maker and His relentless love toward me; a love I am old enough to realize, is undeserved. A love that feels impossible to receive at times.
In the quiet rocking I reflected on the truth of who God created each one of us to be; after all, we have all been created in His image (Genesis 1:27). He knew us before time. In spite of the truth of who we are today; He still looks upon us and sees us as He created us to be. The hurts, rejections, abandonments, betrayals and losses we have tasted were never intended to cause us to put up walls nor push away from both God and man. Sometimes love hurts but we must still chose to love; because God IS love (and remember, we are made in His image). (I Jn. 4:7)
I pondered this simple truth as I unconsciously continued to push the rocking chair in a rhythmic flow. What would it look like to live with no chains? The thought felt risky and daring and ridiculous. Who would willingly open up his or her heart to another and risk the fallout of what could be? Jesus would. Jesus did. Jesus does. Humbled to a sinner’s cross, arms open wide, our sins forgiven as His blood was shed for our freedom from chains. Our Savior risked it all regardless our acceptance or rejection of His love…
My prayer time this morning is different. When I close my eyes I can still smell the sweet aroma of my granddaughter. I can feel the love of God through her joy-filled eyes and her fully trusting heart. Childlike faith is necessary to embrace the love of God (Mt. 18:2-4). It feels ridiculous and risky—vulnerable and silly…and at the same time, as beautiful as my granddaughter.
Stay the course…
Sheila
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