Surely God is my help;
the Lord is the one who sustains me.
My granddaughter, Virginia Rose, is enamored with this plastic ball you can see in the photo above. When we flip the switch, it lights up, sings songs, and teaches various words and sounds.
Lots of entertainment wrapped into one toy!
So, when Virginia comes over to spend the afternoon with her Gammie, she brings the ball with her. Even when we go outside, where sticks and stones garner her attention, the ball sits by her side.
For the first time, Virginia notices the gate which, when opened, leads to the front yard our long, sloping driveway. She actually tries to open it herself! I can tell, she's up for a walk, even though it is precariously close to her nap-time.
I oblige, knowing I must stay with her every step of the way. Especially, since the ground, until we reach the driveway, is uneven. Littered with roots and rocks that can easily trip up a toddler.
Particularly one who won't let go of her precious ball!
Up, up, up the steep, steep drive.
As I follow right on her heels, hands at the ready to break any possible fall. And, I can't help but wonder how these tiny legs, so determined, can move so deftly up the precipitous slope.
We make it to the top of the driveway without incident.
But, Virginia doesn't want to stop there.
Oh, no!
She enters the quiet cul-de-sac, still toting the ball, and ventures even further uphill.
It's then, I realize, that what goes up must come down. We can't go too far, or she will be exhausted and I will have to carry her back to the house.
"Virginia," I say, "We need to stop now and go back. Give Gammie your ball so I can hold your hand down the hill."
This a far from welcomed suggestion to my granddaughter. She really does not want to release it to me or to anybody, for that matter.
However, in turning around and trying to hold onto the ball at the same time, gravity intervenes.
Her ball slips from her grasp and hurtles with break-neck speed down the hill and curves, thankfully, just in time to find the driveway.
"Uh, oh!" Virginia sounds the alarm. "Uh, oh!"
"Don't worry, Virginia," I say, grasping her hand firmly so she won't fall during our descent. "Gammie will find your ball. It will be alright."
She trusts me. Clings tightly to my hand. Walks with little steps as I caution her to. Waits obediently at the bottom of the driveway while I retrieve the ball from a mound of leaves.
Her most excellent adventure has a happy ending.
In a most excellent nap-time.
Are you trusting God to sustain you? To catch you if you fall?
Please join me in prayer:
Thank You, Father, for being our steadfast help in times of trouble and for sustaining us in all things. We are so glad You are there to catch us when we fall. Lead us in Your paths for Your righteousness sake. Amen.
Readings
Psalms 40, 54 or 51
Exodus 34:18-35
1 Thessalonians 3:1-13
Matthew 5:27-37
You narrate so well, Martha. I can just imagine this whole episode. So much to learn from it too - I like the way she quickly learnt the outcome of not letting go and began to trust you...How much we can learn from the little one's about our faith walk.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Corinne, for stopping by today and for your kind compliment.
DeleteYes, we can learn so much from children, can't we? As Jesus said, we must become like them to enter the Kingdom of Heaven - trusting and having a pure faith.
Blessings to you!
"Surely God is my help;the Lord is the one who sustains me."
ReplyDeleteIndeed, He is. Amen.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Mary!
DeleteOh, yes, He sustains us in every way. Amen!
Blessings to you!
Amen to what Corinne said! :-)
ReplyDeleteHave a most blessed day, saints! AMEN!
Thanks for stopping by today, Bernie!
DeleteYes, a resounding "amen" to Corinne's comment!
Blessings to you!
Yes always trusting god to sustain me, Martha. I love the way you weave in God's messages into your everyday story. Simply marvelous!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Rimly, for stopping by and for your sweet compliment. I do try and am blessed when God gives me the inspiration.
DeleteSo glad you are trusting in God to sustain you. He is all we need! :)
Blessings to you!
...what Rimly said! I agree, I love the way you weave in God's messages ~so very encouraging!
ReplyDeleteYour grand-baby... awe... is precious! Thank you for sharing, I so enjoy the way you tell stories.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Amy, and thank you for the kind compliment.
DeleteI think Virginia is precious, too, but I am just a bit prejudiced. :)
I'll try to keep the stories coming.
Blessings to you!
I trust God in everything. He always catch me while I'm falling, and before I get harmed. He did many times this week. He helps through my supportive friends.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Nikky, for stopping by!
DeleteSo glad you trust Him, so glad He catches you whenever you fall. He definitely can speak to us and help us through trusted friends. I've been there, and know . . .
Blessings to you!
There are time when it's easier to just give the ball back but there are moments when I wish I could hold on to it longer...
ReplyDeleteI have received two several blows this week and although it didn't directly hit me, I was again asking God why...I was so sure He'd catch us when we fall but it takes time to sink in.
I pray with you. I pray that God would open our hearts to trust Him and His plans for us.
Thank you for sharing this Martha :) and thank you for sharing with us Virginia'a adventures.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Melissa!
DeleteI'm so sorry to hear that things have not been going well for you recently, my friend. I'll pray they get better!
In the meantime, your faith is so strong, I know God will see you through and definitely catch you in His arms.
Blessings and love to you!
Another wise piece, Martha. Thank you for sharing your photos, stories and lessons with us. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by, Rachel!
DeleteI'm so glad you enjoyed the photos and Virginia's story. This was such fun for me to write, and the lessons fit so readily.
Blessings to you!