I’m pushing him in the swing. And with each push I say, “forward!” Then, quickly, as he comes back toward me I say, “back.” He’s learning, just like brother and sisters before him, how to pump his legs and swing on his own. Forward and back. Forward and back. Forward…and…back.
And it comes to me almost as quickly as he swings back. This is a picture of life. Example of a spiritual journey. For often, I find I am taking one step forward and one step back. Swinging forward freely in triumph. And zooming just as quickly back, despite all my best efforts.
Daily walking close to Thee, let it be, dear Lord, let it be.
Forward and back. Sometimes the forward and backward is a little blurry.
With that motion, I count backward steps:
- stuffy noses and headaches
- missed celebrations
- sleepless nights
- needed discipline
- medical bills
- more appointments to make
- frustrations that keep me going back to Him
But I linger more on the forward:
- blooming oak leaf hydrangea
- summer warmth
- pictures from birthday parties
- relaxing days ahead
- continuing education
- snuggle times of resting
- end of year celebrations ahead
- Nana’s healing chicken and dumpling soup
- Nana’s ‘nana pudding
I’d rather have Jesus than anything, this world affords today…
Counting #4014-4031.
Bonus reading today:
- Hodgepodgedad reviews Lynda.com Online Training Library at The Curriculum Choice.
- As part of the homeschool makeover series, I’m sharing our chalkboard desk at Heart of the Matter.
Tricia ~ oh, this is so true…. I love how you ended with your blessings. Yes, in all of the difficult things, Jesus i there, and thank GOD for that. 🙂
Happy Monday!
Yes, indeed, Mary. Thank GOD for that! Thanks for your sweet comment. And Happy Monday to you!
I can remember very vividly teaching Amanda to swing in our backyard. I knew she was capable of doing it on her own but she insisted that I stand there and push. I would coach her and sort of let her pump a few times in between pushes and I was sure she could do it. I decided one evening that enough was enough and she could do it herself. She sat in that swing and cried and cried for me to help her. It was the hardest thing not to run over and push her…just to get her started. I wanted her to do it herself but she just sat and cried. (So long that I went up and grabbed the camera and took a picture of her crying in that swing.) I decided to leave her there and come inside and wash the dinner dishes. After a few minutes I didn’t hear her crying anymore and I looked out the window and there she was swinging like a champ, smiling face and everything.
I sometimes now feel like she did sitting in that swing…scared to fail? scared to start? just want someone to share it with? just need to cry about it?
Your analogy fit so perfectly. He is always ready to help when we need it, to get us going, to train us, to encourage us. But, at some point we just need to rely on his spirit and do the hard stuff. What joy when we see how it all works out for the best.
Sorry for the long story….it is a favorite growing up memory that I have with Amanda. Moms are always needing to learn to let go even if it is at the backyard swing set.
Great post Tricia.
I’m so glad you shared this story. The picture of parenthood and our walk with Him! Brought tears to my eyes! Thank you so much. ‘What joy when we see how it all works out for the best’ Yes!
This post made me think of the long-ago mural that “we” painted at an elementary school of the child swinging…the wonderful names of my children were swirled into the leaves of the painted tree…
Forever,
N.
Your last line – “I’d rather have Jesus than anything this world affords today” – was exactly what I needed to read at this moment. Thank you for this beautiful post.
I missed this the first time you posted it, but I believe I needed to read it today. Your encouraging words are perfect timing! I love how God does that…His timing is always perfect.
Amen – perfect. Always.