Guest Post

I am excited and so thrilled Shanda said yes to doing a guest post for me. I always enjoy reading her blog and I always learn something.Enjoy my guest post today by Shanda over at A Teachable Heart. Check out her blog as well.Thanks Shanda great post.

The Faith of a Child

My young son had a favorite toy, a “motorcycle guy” (as he called it). I’m not sure how this toy entered our household; but from the moment it did, it was never far from my son. He slept with it, it came in the car with us, and he played with his “motorcycle guy” for hours every day.

As with most toys, one day it broke. An arm had snapped off in such a way that we were unable to repair it. As you can imagine, my son was crushed and cried huge, sad tears. Yet, although the “motorcycle guy” could no longer hold onto the bike he was created to ride; my son continued to carry it with him everywhere.

My husband was out at the store one afternoon and spotted the exact same motorcycle/guy combo. He was overjoyed to be able to replace it for our son.

When he arrived home, he called our son downstairs and holding out his hand, said, “Can I have your motorcycle guy?”

“No! I want him.” My son replied, hiding his guy behind his back.

“I have something better for you.” My husband said while looking convincingly into his eyes.

“No Daddy, I want him.” (His small hands gripping even tighter.)

Now my husband could have just handed our son the new motorcycle guy; but he wanted to build this trust relationship with his son; so he continued.

“Son, do you trust me? I love you. I want what is best for you. May I please have your motorcycle guy?”

Large tears began to fall down our son’s face. He considered what his father might have that could be better. Although his toy was broken, he was having a hard time giving him up. What if it wasn’t better? What if he didn’t like the new thing? He had invested a lot of time and energy into this toy. Now his father was asking him to give it up?

Again my husband softly said, “Son, I love you. Do you trust me?” He stretched out his hand palm upward.

Reluctantly, my son handed over his toy; his gaze never leaving my husband’s face.

My husband’s face lit up, a broad smile splashing across it and he held out the brand new motorcycle guy to our son.

The two embraced and my son began to cry again. This time it was tears of joy. “Thank you Daddy!” “You’re welcome son! I love you.”

I stood there watching the entire exchange and could not help but envision our Heavenly Father standing there palm outstretched to us saying, “I love you. Do you trust me enough to let me have it?” (That thing, that burden, that person, that … whatever it is He might be asking us to release to Him.)

“I love you child. I have something better for you. Will you let go? (of the old, the broken, the familiar.)

For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. "Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" Luke 11:10-13 (NIV)

“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 (NIV)

May our gaze stay fixed on our Father today as we look in expectancy of His goodness for us!