On Thursday we got to go to the Wild Animal Park and hang out with family. It was great to see Kim and Mady, and hang out with them. Also, hanging out with my girls is always such a blast for me. I enjoy and love being a husband and a father so much more than I ever could have imagined. I have my God to thank for this, Im sure. Observing this world from the time we are young to the time when we actually get married and have kids, for many (including myself) the road traveled up until that point can shape and form pictures and ideas of these important relationships which can often be described as lacking...to say the least. In many cases the world terribly distorts these very important roles, both for men and women. The commitment and responsibility are great, but thus far the fruits and rewards of these relationships has in a very short time far outweighed the work and time put into them. The room for growth and improvement is great, but I have confidence in my Mighty God, who has begun this work in us, to complete it...day by day, by His grace. I trip out on how the marriage and parent dynamics work. With the Lord in the center of our lives, I believe that as we grow and mature in Him, we are able to function in and enjoy the blessings of marriage and parenthood as He has designed them to be. God knows what He is doing, and although this design might vary slightly from couple to couple, He is the designer. Only in Him can we find everything needed to fulfill our roles and enjoy the blessings of family.
One of the most amazing things that God has done in my life, is teach me through my little girl.
Back to my main point - when we entered the park on Thursday, there was a large beautiful carousel with music and lots of animals to ride, going round and round. It caught Isabelle's eye immediately. So Tifiny, Isabelle, and Mady all went on. As it started going I could see that Isabelle seemed afraid, and by the second go-around she was crying. When they got off, of course she said "moooore." We moved on, which upset her for the time being. But there was much more to see. As the end of our time came about at the park, we decided to let the girls have another go at the carousel. This time I went on with Isabelle. I sat here down on a panda or something. And before we even started moving, she was making sounds and facial expressions indicating that she was afraid. But I was right there, with both hands on her. Although she couldnt completely understand, she had NOTHING to be afraid of. Her father was right there with her, with both of his hands on her! I instantly realized the spiritual lesson in this. So many times....time and time again the Lord tells us not to be afraid. He told the children of Israel over and over again, "do not be afraid."
In that moment I also realized that my Father in heaven is not just near, He is with me. He has His hands on me. And although everything that is currently surrounding me might cause me to fear greatly, He's got in under control. He knows and understands what is going on. And I am safe, in His hands.
Psalm 121
Posts
