… and, a little child shall lead them.
Isaiah 11:6

Last month, we visited our great-grandson to help him celebrate his first birthday. As I watched him on his special day, his actions reminded me of the portion of the Bible verse I have quoted above.

Nearly 25 adults were at Conner’s birthday party. He clearly wanted to interact with people who were giving him so much attention, but he was hesitant. He confidently reached for the finger of my son to provide a comfort factor as he interacted with people. I saw God telling me that his finger is there too for me to hold when I need confidence to undertake something new as well as undertake my daily activities.

Two other children were at the party, one 11 and the other only a month older than Conner. Both were well behaved and “doing their things.” Like all children seem to do, Conner watched these other children and it was evident that he wanted to be connected with them and the things they were doing. But, he was shy. He would edge closer and closer to them and keep his little eyes on what they were doing—learning from them. This reminded me that God wants me to keep my eyes on the “good behavior” I experience in others with whom I come in contact. And, that it is OK to hold back, study what is going on and learn from it.

Conner is in his early stages of walking. He would periodically reach out and grasp the hand of others for support. It is great to know that when I too am undertaking new things, God’s hand, and the hands of his disciples, will be there for me grasp when I need support.

With so many people attending the birthday celebration, Conner was showered with presents. Greater than the presents themselves, however, was his delight in ripping the paper from them. Each time he pulled loose a piece of paper, he would-with a big smile on his face-hand his prize to someone around him. I was reminded that God continually pours blessings on me and that I need to happily share them with others.

And, as often happens for young children, there was a time when Conner fell. He lost his balance, fell in back of a lawn chair and hit his face hard against the side of the house. Immediately came his cry for help—help that he needed because his fall caused pain and he was trapped behind the chair. He was quickly rescued; he snuggled against my son’s shoulder and stopped crying right away. That is, he immediately put his faith in the rescuer to comfort and heal him. Oh, God, help me to remember that you will be there to pick me up, comfort and heal me when I need to be rescued.

Where have you seen God recently?

Thank you, God, for accompanying me in my daily life.
Without you, I would not be able to carry on. Amen

Contributed by Nancy
Monday July 22, 2013
Liturgical Year C: Week 34
Liturgical Color: Green
Sunday Gospel reading: Proper 11
Nineth Sunday after Pentecost