Fit to Be Tied

A few weeks ago, while making dinner, I called Crislynn (my nine-year-old) to come set the table.  Davis (her seven-year-old brother) came with her and said, “Can I help her, Mom?”  They had their arms around each other.  I about passed out!  Together?  They wanted to do something together?  And they were touching each other without shoving!  They’d been at each other (about to drive me nuts) for weeks now. In disbelief, I told them it was fine with me.  Then I noticed that they were walking funny.  When I looked around the cabinet, I saw it—they were tied together.

A recent field day introduced them to the three-legged race, so they were trying it out at home.  I was thrilled (and stored away this three-legged thing in my discipline arsenal for a day when they weren’t getting along so well!)

What if I always remembered that I’m joined to God, everyday, every step, much like a three-legged race?  When I spend time with Him, it’s like He wraps His arm around me and mine around Him, and we start to walk together.  If I try to go my own way, I fall flat on my face, but when I fall, he stops and lets me get up.  Sometimes He drags me for a few steps.  When He sees me trying to strap myself to someone or something else, He holds me a little tighter to let me know He’s a better choice.  When my eyes wander from the finish line, He reminds me of the goal.  He doesn’t carry me unless it gets really tough, because He knows I can learn from walking in step with Him.  He has allowed me to join Him on this journey—even though I am stubborn and often slow Him down.  He sticks with me because we are in this race together.

What has been dragging you around lately?  Are you tied to the One who knows you best and loves you most?  I need that fresh start with this three-legged companion.  Maybe you do too.  Let’s get back in the race, 'cause we’re not in this alone…

PRAYER: Father, help me to walk in step with Your direction for my life rather than trying to go my own way, or worse, to be led astray by a wrong choice.
 
“Forgetting the things that are behind and reaching out for the things that are ahead, with this goal in mind, I strive toward the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus”,
Philippians 3:13b-14 NET.

Today’s devotion is by Sharon Lovejoy Autry.  Sharon is the co-author of Mom and Loving It, Finding Contentment in Real Life.  She and her sister Laurie Lovejoy Hilliard make it a habit to share their joys and struggles with moms.  www.momandlovingit.org