This afternoon I donned my welly-boots and set off with my 18 month old son for a puddle hunt. We were dressed for rain and splashing but for the duration of our hour-long stroll, the skies were dry and there were no puddles in sight!
We did have a fantastic walk, nonetheless.
Noah is very easily distracted. He's also curious about everything - we call him 'Nosey Noah' and it suits him to a tee!
He's currently going through a bit of a clingy stage, and after the emotional week I've had, I'm certainly grateful for any extra cuddles he's offering! I do try, though, to remind him that he is safe and that I will never, ever leave him. Even when I have to leave him for a moment, I am sure to remind him that I'll be back. I want him to trust me completely; to know that I will love and protect him always.
So we were walking across the local playing field, after having a short break to play on the swings, and he kept stumbling as he was constantly looking behind him. I found myself telling him, "we need to keep our eyes in front of us, baby, keep looking ahead so we know what's coming. Mummy will keep an eye out behind us and make sure you're safe."
That's when it hit me. I am bigger than my toddler. I am his parent. My primary objective is to nurture him and protect him. It is a natural instinct, then, for me to position myself where I am able to see both in front and behind him, as well as all around; to check his path for hazards; and to generally walk with him and be his guide and his shield.
This is what God does for us every day of our lives. Why is the concept of His omnipresence so alien to us when we do everything in our power to be omnipresent for our own children?
In the Word, it tells us that the Lord Himself will go before us (Deuteronomy 31:8) to light our path (Exodus 13:21), and to make the rough places smooth (Isaiah 45:2), and that His eyes are everywhere, keeping watch over us (Proverbs 15:3).
Just as I tucked his tiny hand into mine and felt his fingers wrap around my palm, before pulling him close to me with my hand rested upon his head, I was reminded of Psalm 139:5 that the Lord goes behind us and follows us, and places His hand of blessing upon our heads.
Becoming a mother was my heart's desire, it was all I ever wanted, and I truly believe it is the reason I am here on this earth. I pray over my child, as well as the life currently growing within my womb, that I will be equipped and able to nurture them; to teach them about life, and love, and God. Little did I know all that they would teach me!
Since becoming a parent, I have been able to see a different facet of God's personality. One which I knew of only in theory and in word, but which I am learning more about every day as I develop in my own role as a parent. I pray in thanksgiving for the blessings He has bestowed upon me, yet I am only just scratching the surface!
I am so grateful to have been entrusted with such a huge and precious role, in raising two sons who I pray will become passionate and dedicated men of God. I am both humbled and excited to learn more about my Father, as I learn more about myself and my children. I am eager to follow where He leads me, and to learn more about Him, together!
