"Watch where you're walking"

"Watch where you're walking" is a phrase I say to Clara many, many times per day. Sweet girl has trouble with balance and coordination and it is hard for her to anticipate what might happen should she walk or "run" full force ahead through a toy filled living room or over a bumpy sidewalk. It is a concept we revisit daily, and at times, feels quite tiresome. 

My thoughts. . . 

How many times do I have to remind her?

How many times will it take for her to learn the hard way?

How many times do I have to repeat myself?

How many face plants on the carpet will it take?

How many, how many, how many. . . Sigh. 

Yet after time and time again of "Watch where you're walking, Clara" I am gently reminded of my own neediness and the many times the Lord is looking down at me, tired, shaking His head and wondering when I will learn once and for all. Because even at almost 33 years of age I have to be reminded to watch my footing. I have to be reminded that while my own agenda is good and needed, I cannot lose sight of the bigger picture lest I face plant. I need to be reminded to keep my eyes alert and on guard and ready to navigate the waves of distractions. 

God's thoughts. . . 

How many times do I have to remind her?

How many times will it take for her to learn the hard way?

How many times do I have to repeat myself?

How many face plants on the carpet will it take?

How many, how many, how many. . . Sigh. 

Yet by His grace and love He does not give up on us. He doesn't cut us off after we repeatedly fail or repeatedly fall prey to the bumpy, curvy rock infused sidewalk. Just as I gently, time after time, look Clara in the eyes and remind her of her need to focus on the path ahead and pay attention, so He gently looks me in the eyes and reminds me of the same.

If the Lord delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand. Psalm 37:24

Thank you, Jesus, for not giving up on us and for speaking lessons of truth through the lives of babes.