Yesterday we took our daughter out to Donovan Park in The Heights. It’s a cute little wooden park in the middle of the community. First thing she saw was a wooden train that she just had to run up to and begin to explore. I stood there with my camera in hand to take pictures of her as she went in and out of the caboose, as well as the other cars on the train. In a tunnel and out the other end she popped her head out and every time had the biggest smile on her face. From there, my little dare devil ran to the tornado slide and had to find the stairs leading to the top. Sliding down she gave both my wife and me a scare because there were several other children attempting to climb up the slide when she was on here way down. About half way down, she stalled out and it looked like she may tip over the side. So once we got her down safely, we instructed the kids not to climb up the slide but we also tried to redirect our daughter to another part of the park.
Running around the corner of the slide, we found a mini climbing wall with red, yellow, green and blue hand holds. So of course my little climber runs to the wall and immediately wants to climb to the top of the wall. With no training whatsoever, my 2 year old who climbs up everything, grabs a hold of the first hand hold and starts to pull herself up. Placing a foot on one of the bottom holds, she pulls up and then places her foot on the next level of handholds. Hand over hand she looks for the next place to put her hands and feet as the top is within sight. And within a minute or two, she was at the top. This scene has played out in my mind many times over the last two days. And every time I think about it, I smile. I am proud of my little girl for her determination to get to the top. There were plenty of times where she was stuck, would have had to backtrack a little or could have gotten discouraged and quit. But she kept going. Behind her, we stood ensuring her safety but not interfering with her process or progress. If she were to get to that place that she was going to fall, of course we would be behind her to catch her. And we were verbally encouraging her every step of the way. It makes me think about our Father in heaven and His interactions with us as His children. I am certain there are many times that He is there cheering us on. When we are struggling to get to that next step or even to get a hold of the next hand hold, he is standing behind us cheering for each grab and celebrating it as a victory. And just like with my daughter, there will be times that we will struggle. There may be times when we want to give up. Maybe even times when we feel secluded, isolated or alone. But it is important for us to remember that we are never alone. He is always there and He always wants what is best for us. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. - Jeremiah 29:11 Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all of your ways submit to Him and he will make your paths straight. - Proverbs 3:5-6
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June 2021
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