Last night, Eli, our just turned three years old grandson, announced he was not going to wait for Mommy to pick him up from Grandmother’s house. Leaving his coat and shoes behind, he opened the front door, slipped outside and trotted home. (Yes, there is now a childproof safety cap on the knob.)
Twenty-two feet stretch between our daughter’s house and our house. (Feet not miles.) Twenty-two feet of wind and dark and slushy rain—cold, February, Michigan rain.
Unbeknownst to Eli, I immediately followed him, racing out the door while texting his mother he was on the move. I sloshed to the end of the driveway, ready to dart forward if he veered from the familiar path.
He did not hesitate. Determinedly, he placed one soggy little stockinged foot after another until he stepped onto the well-lit porch and into the warmth of his mother’s strong young arms.
Eli knew the way home. He knew it was dark and cold but he also knew safety lay behind him and before him.
I, too, know the way to my eternal home. I know this world is often cold and dark but warmth and light await on the other side.
Unlike Eli, I hesitate. With each step forward, I call out for affirmation that I’m on the right path and His strong arms will welcome me home.
Why the hesitation?
Is it from past hurt? You and I have suffered and though our Lord is healing us—if we allow Him to do so—the scars remain. The need for assurance remains. Eli is unscarred. From conception he has been wanted and cherished. Betrayal, cruelty, and rejection are unknown to him.
Perhaps the hesitation is because God’s perfect love is still casting out my fears and I am yet learning to trust with the ease of a three year old child.
Perhaps it is because I know the ease of stepping out of His light and off the path.
Probably, it is all of the above.
Eli wasted no time on worry or doubt. He headed home with the confidence of a beloved child. And yes, many would say it was foolish and naive, but I wonder if when looking to our Lord, if we should all be a bit more naive, a bit more confident, a bit more like a three year old.
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3
Such a lovely and encouraging story!!!
Thank you, Latayne. You are such an encourager.
Oh, I am so glad I came across this precious story about Eli. I realize he was not the main point of your writing, but I focused on him. Is he like a 3 year-old Tyler?
A lot of similarities but Eli takes apart everything he finds! Ty never stayed still long enough to take things apart!!
Beautiful comparison! Can you imagine a world where we all had the confidence & naïveté to walk so boldly … love this!
I learn so many spiritual truths from this little guy.