Back in 2018, I was looking at an old photo of me with my three younger siblings. We’re all posing on different parts of a playground’s monkey bars. It got me thinking of the very different paths our lives have taken over the years, the storms we’ve battled through, yet each of us holding onto our faith in God. Then I wrote the following short piece of introspection…

Four little children were laughing with delight in the playground as the sun shone through dappled clouds. The puffs of fluffy white mist periodically shielded the sun, making it a near perfect day…. warm but not overly hot, bright but not blindingly so.

There were parents there with them in the park, just outside the play area, not too far from their precious children, observing the tiny humans intently, on guard for any harm and ready to intervene if necessary.

The children continued running, jumping, climbing, digging, testing their own abilities on the various playground equipment. Deep inside each child was the knowledge that their parents were close by, but the thoughts of their caregivers were pushed aside as they concentrated on their own excitement and joy. At this particular time the children ignored their parents as if they were only among their playmates.

The day seemed to pass by too quickly. Each child wished for the fun to go on without ending. But the clouds became fuller and heavier with every passing moment. The sun’s light became dimmer and the calm breeze began to move into a chilly wind.

The first child sat in a sandbox, busily creating masterpieces using tiny rakes and shovels. The little body had sunk down into the sand, while much of the grains were scooped out from around and underneath to become part of the child’s creation. But the sand structure was temporary, and a gust of wind blew much of it away, scattering grains across the sandbox and into the eyes of the unsuspecting child.

The second and third children were enthralled with the endless loop of climbing a tall ladder to the top, briefly glimpsing the height they’d achieved and the playground world below, then sitting and having their little bodies fill with exhilaration and euphoria as each slid rapidly to the bottom where a quick lift up would get them back on their feet to run back around to the ladder. But, as the wind kicked up, a loose piece of metal at the bottom snagged the pant leg of one child, preventing the quick lift, and the little body fell crumpled in the worn out dirt. Caught up in the excitement of the ride down, the other child didn’t notice the obstruction at the bottom and soon became part of the crumpled mess, adding to the pain of the playmate beneath him.

Oblivious to what was occurring to the others, the fourth child sat gripping the chains of a swing, legs pumping, upper body pushing, determined to get each thrust of the swing higher and higher until it felt as if the swing might spin completely over and around the top rail! The wind suddenly blew a broken tree branch into the child’s face, cold leaves slapping the little cheeks with a sharp sting. Instinctively, the child reached to push the branch away, and, losing grip of the chains, the child became unbalanced, falling from the swing with a hard thump on the ground.

The children had wanted independence and freedom to play without a parent’s discipline or warnings to be careful. They’d wanted their parents on the outside of their little world. But now each one cried out in anguish and pain, seeking comfort for their injured bodies and pride.

The first child, unable to see clearly, ran about haphazardly, risking further injury, until being lifted up by a pair of strong, loving arms.

The second and third children attempted to help each other, but the bit of metal still clung to the clothing, and the little limbs became more entangled in their struggles to escape. Then a pair of loving hands calmed them both and helped to set them free.

The fourth child, fallen and feeling broken and in despair, wept uncontrollably until a large set of legs sat alongside the tortured body and gentle hands lifted the child onto a soft lap and into a warm embrace.

Too often we, as humans, get caught up in our own lives, our pursuits of accomplishment, fun, freedom. We forget Who it was that gave us our lives, our abilities, and our potential. Many of us remember Him, if at all, only when turmoil strikes! If we put God first, above all and everyone else, He will surely give us what we need. He is always there, waiting to be invited into our lives, our world, our playgrounds. How wonderful it would be if we could laugh with and share joy with the Father who truly LOVES us!!

I have a tee-shirt I ordered from a website that’s been advertised a lot on TV lately. It says “Jesus didn’t want us to act like adults.” The innocence of children lets them open their hearts and minds to trust those who can truly help and comfort them. It’s why our Lord Jesus said,

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them.” (Mark 10:14)

It’s important for children to know from a young age that their Abba Father loves and cares for them… that He only wants the best for them.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

Parents, teachers, mentors can raise children in a loving environment, but they cannot stop the storms of life that will batter them physically and/or emotionally. Because we all go through these storms, it’s so important to build up the knowledge that our God will always be alongside them in all of life’s circumstances.

In this time of year when we celebrate Mother’s Day, then Fathers Day, I pray that more parents would awaken to the love and guidance God that wants to give to them and their children. He will be with us and lead us in the right direction.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)