Hold my hand

When our boys were toddlers and starting to show signs of being able to walk, my husband and I would help them. We would sit on the floor about 4 feet apart from each other and one of us would have our son standing in front of us with our hands around their body. I remember how excited they were to have the full attention of both parents on their level. Their whole bodies would be bouncing up and down and their legs would go from stick straight to jello. When they finally calmed down a little, I would then move my hands up to hold our son's hands and start to help him walk. I remember those tiny fingers gripping tightly onto my one finger as we started to take a few steps. Eventually I would start to pry my finger out of his tiny grip to see if he could walk on his own. Most of those first steps were bouncing movements that eventually ended up with him on the floor landing on his bottom. Sometimes he would lean forward and Daddy would catch him; other times he would just sit down, but eventually he got it. My oldest always wanted to hold my hand wherever we went. He found comfort in knowing I was there and needed to feel my presence. My youngest never wants to hold my hand. Even in a crowded parking lot, that child will pitch a royal fit when I make him hold onto me. It's only when he gets scared that he wants to feel me beside him, and that's ok. My children are at the age now that they would rather not hold my hand, and eventually we will get to the stage where they probably don't want to be seen with me when they are around their friends. I am amazed that someone they needed so badly to grasp onto to walk, they will soon not want to be seen with. How often I can be like my sons with my own Heavenly Father. When I am facing something that scares me, or I know I can't do on my own, I grasp on to Him tightly. I read his word, I talk to him; my fingers are gripping him so tightly they are white. As He directs me through a difficult time, I feel confidence and eventually feel like I can walk on my own. It's human nature to gain confidence through situations so that you can tackle bigger things. I want my children to feel confident enough to let go of my hand (as sad as it makes me). What I don't want them to ever do, is think they can let go of God's hand. They will take that lesson from me. Whether things are going smoothly or we're in a rough patch, I always want them to see me holding on to the Father for wisdom, guidance and protection. Confidence will never replace the love of a Father. "I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. " Psalm 61:4