This past weekend I had the privilege of having extended family come visit and getting to spend time with my grandma being taught the art of making her famous pierogis’, pie, and cinnamon buns. We laughed a lot, worked hard, and made memories that I will not forget. My immediate family was also able to come visit too, and it was a gift to have multiple generations of family together enjoying each others company. During my Grandmas stay, she insisted on buying a beautiful fedora as a gift for me, and my dad let me get lost in his embrace a few moments longer than normal before he made the trek home. In both of these situations, even if just for a few moments, I felt like a little child again. Loved. Safe. Taken Care Of. Whether we are being given a gift, having our needs met, or just simply being held – there is the sweet feeling of being a child again – able to lean upon someone else for a moment while we take a deep breath.
Our world upholds independence and self-sufficiency and places these qualities upon a pedestal to be held in high regard. And while these qualities can be very positive, we often trade one for the other, turning our backs on dependance and vulnerability.
One of my favourite things about being a follower of Jesus is that His Word says that we are adopted into the family of God. 1 John 3:1 says:
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! (NIV)
No matter how old we get, no matter how much responsibility we take on, no matter if we have children of our own, or our children have children – we always get to stay “Children.” We never outgrow the love of the Father. We never outstay our welcome in His house.
This beautiful Truth sets us free to let our guard down – not only with our Heavenly Father, but also with one another. We can take off the titles we wear, the responsibilities we carry, and the stubborn pride of self-sufficiency, and just “be.” We are children. Each of us with scraped knees, hearts that can be molded, and a deep need to be loved, accepted, and have a place that we belong.
My prayer for you today is that you would let your guard down and let God be “Father” to you. Let yourself Be Loved… for you are the Beloved of Christ. And may I be even more bold and challenge you to let your guard down with someone else in your life – allow yourself to be taught, get lost in someones embrace, and delight in being LOVED!
— Jalene Elsa