If we listen, children say some amazing things.
I was in Morgantown for the weekend when Cole, my son, and I took his children, my grandchildren, to the park. We packed up for the morning with the normal items – snacks, drinks and jackets.
After a short drive rocking out to Disney tunes, we arrived at a park the children hadn’t been to before. We gathered our things and walked down a very steep hill to the playground area. At first glance the kids appeared to be disappointed that the playground didn’t have swings, but the jungle gym quickly diverted their attention and the fun started. Violet and Jack began exploring – climbing the ladders, scaling the rock wall and crossing the rope bridges.
The kids had been enjoying the slides when Cole and I began to notice Violet eyeing the tall twisty slide and the large, enclosed tube slide. She was showing curiosity but also some hesitation. Cole, being aware of Violet’s internal conflict, complimented her on exploring a new park and having fun trying new things.
A few minutes later, Violet asked me, “Nana, would you go down the big twisty slide with me?” Without pause I replied, “Of course!”
We climbed and made our way to the top of the slide. Violet got situated between my legs and down we went. When we reached the bottom, I said, “Wow! That was fun! Did you like it?” As she ran back around to begin the climb she shouted over her shoulder, “Yea! I am doing it again!”
It wasn’t long before she approached the top of the enclosed tube slide. I crouched down and looked up through the slide at her, “Hey! I see you up there! Coming down?” She plopped herself down, scooted to the edge and down the slide she came!
Once again, she began to run back around to make the climb and slide again. As she was climbing, I thought I heard her softly talking to herself. I leaned in a little closer and heard her saying, “I am strong, I am confident, I am brave. I am strong, I am confident, I am brave.”
Wow…..with tears in my eyes, I walked back around to be there for her at the bottom of the slide.
It began to rain, but we all continued to play. The rain didn’t discourage us as the kids had a snack and we all took a walk. Everyone was quite wet, but not deterred…….what a wonderful morning!
When it was time to leave, we began the long walk up the hill as Violet and I talked about our morning. I mentioned her “conquering” the big slides to which her reply was, “Well, Nana, you do know that I am strong, confident and brave.” Fighting past the lump in my throat, I replied, “Yes, sweet Violet, I know you are all of those things.”
Just as Brooke and Cole have lovingly taught and instilled in their children how much they are loved, cared for and what they are capable of, so has our Heavenly Father instilled each of these things in us. Throughout scripture we are told we are loved beyond measure; we are told to be strong, courageous and not afraid; we are told we matter enough to leave the 99 and search for the one. We are promised that He goes before us and beside us. We are reassured we are never alone…..not during our struggles…..not during the valleys…..not in our grief…..not during the most difficult times…..never.
I pray Violet and little Jack will always carry these reassurances with them just as I pray each of us will. We are the children of our Heavenly Father. We are loved more than we can imagine, we are cared for and we are embraced by the King. Knowing all of this, why wouldn’t we all be strong, confident and brave?
You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Psalm139:5
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
