Again, brought to us by my favorite author, Monica, the Minion Mom, a beautifully written devotional that encourages us to keep our eyes on Jesus! Be blessed, my friends!
xo b
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I believe there are certain parts of parenting that are designed for our sanctification. Ok, all of parenting is sanctifying, but specific activities turn up the refining fire just a notch…or ten….potty training, homework, middle school, driving lessons, dating etc. In our house, one such moment was teaching our middle son to ride his bike.
Our sweet redhead is more fearful of new things than his brothers and even though he was determined to ride his new two wheeler without training wheels, he could not let go of his fear of falling. He was constantly looking anywhere but in front of him for things that might possibly cause him to fall. Side to side, his head would swivel, even, occasionally, looking behind him, and worst of all, he would look down at the street, always on the look out for anything that might land him on the pavement.
Up and down the street I would run, constantly, reassuring him that he would be ok, he just needed to keep his head on the road ahead of him: “Where you look is where you go! Keep your head forward!!” Over and over again he would look away and down he would go. That bike was in the garage more than it was out during those 6 months, but eventually, it clicked…if he stopped being so paranoid about falling and kept his head where it belonged, he could ride.
I wanted to chastise him, clicking my tongue at his fear, but, my baby’s behavior was no different than mine. I want to do great things, to fulfill the purpose God has for me, but my fear and all of life’s other distractions keep my head on a constant swivel. So over and over again, I am pulled in every other direction besides the one I should be headed because I won’t keep my focus where it should be: Jesus.
Peter found that out real quick, when the storm became his focus instead of the savior and he started sinking. It might take us a little longer to realize we’re sinking when we’re not standing on the sea of Galilee, but the signs are there: Are you anxious, nervous, frustrated, confused, maybe just not feeling life these days? Where is your focus? When was the last time you sat with your Father, talking it through or just listening to His voice through the Word. It sounds cliché and maybe it is, but taking the time to readjust your mindset and focus on Him, is key to keeping us upright and headed in the right direction. The day is not over, love, take a moment and set your mind on Him.
Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith… Hebrews 12:2
And 2 Makes Crazy 