Do You Need a Tender Promise for the Hurting Days?

Sometimes the simplest conversations can pinpoint the deepest needs of our hearts.

“Gigi,” my six-year-old grandson asked, “are you dropping me off or staying with me?”

We were enroute to a friend’s birthday party at the neighborhood pool.

“I’ll be staying,” I said.

He paused, and I sensed his struggle.

“Well,” he said, scrunching his face. “I probably won’t be hanging out with you . . .”

Then he thought a moment.

“Unless I get hurt. Then I’ll come find you.”

I shared the conversation with my daughter, and we laughed.

“I knew the day would come,” I said, “and apparently it’s here.”

Gigi, even a Gigi with a car and a credit card, simply can’t compete with friends who can do back flips in the pool, name every dinosaur that ever existed, and burp the A-B-C’s.

Later, as I reflected on Colllin’s words, I realized something.

I’ve often said something very similar to God, my heavenly Father. Sometimes deliberately. Other times without realizing it.

This relationship? I got it, God. No need for you to get involved.

This project? I can do it on my own. I’m a trained professional.

This plan, dream, wish, desire? I’m going after it.

Until I get hurt. Or things don’t turn out as I’d hoped. Or everything falls apart.

Then I run to Him. I realize how much I need him. How much I want Him.

More than friends. More than success. More than anything.

I long to feel His arms around me and hear His voice whisper, “It’s okay. I’m here. I’ve got you.”

If you return to the Lord, . . . The Lord your God is gracious and merciful and will not turn his face from you, if you return to him.
2 Chronicles 30:9 ESV

What are you struggling with today? Tell it to Jesus. He’s right there waiting for you.

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