
My toddler teaches me so much about Jesus every single day. It is one of the very many reasons that I am so thankful for her. Last night we had a moment. See, she is exploring this new independent phase and loves to run around outside without holding my hand. She is safe, so I let her do her thing with me just a few steps away.
We spent some time in the fresh air, and when we came in she was being really good while I made dinner, so I was going to reward her with “one sprink” (we use sprinkles for positive reinforcement and getting just one or two tickles her!). As I went to scoop her up, I realized that she had an old crusty dirt wad in her tiny hand. I pried her little fingers open and it sent her into a meltdown because mommy wanted her treasure. She gripped even tighter and cried and cried until I finally had to just take it away and let her work it out for a minute.
What she did not know is that I, as her loving mother, had something far more wonderful in store for her. I had plans to give her the joy of her heart, her beloved “sprinks”. If she would just trust me and loosen her grip on her “good” thing, I could clean her up and give her her best thing.
As soon as I thought this in my head it hit me that this is exactly the season that I have been in with God. I have been gripping so tightly to the things that I think are treasures…the things that I think I need. My businesses that I have spent years building, my finances, my career, my sense of control, and even certain relationships. I have fought Him tooth and nail every time he has tried to remove something from my life. I have been angry at Him for not blessing my plans. Things that I have ingrained so much into my identity. For a time, my Father allowed me to throw my proverbial fit, holding my hands tightly around these wads of dirt that I treasured so much.
But one day a few months ago, in the midst of a very low place, I finally opened my hands and dropped my dirt. And you know…God showed me His “sprinkle” plans. Big, beautiful plans. To grow me, change me, and bless me. To bring new relationships that are soul-filling and life giving. To open doors I didn’t even know existed. To rearrange my priorities and make the main things the main thing!
Letting go has been the most beautiful journey, and watching Him show up and answer prayers left and right in ways that I cannot explain has been such a faith-building experience. I cannot wait to elaborate more over the next few weeks and more things fall into place. I simply want to end with a challenge. If you have things in your life that you are feeling God tug at your heart, saying maybe these aren’t your best things…just open your hands and let go. Your Daddy knows you, and He has good things in store for you if you just trust Him.