Babies, Babble and Faith
It’s both the sweetest and the craziest of times with a 16 month old in our house right now. With 9 years between her and our middle daughter, we’ve found ourselves back in the land of Fisher Price, noisy toys with batteries that live forever and baby songs that get stuck in your head (“Baby Shark,” anyone?). In the midst of all the chaos of having a baby after a few years of being out of practice, she’s suddenly begun to grow up a little. One day this past week, I realized that she had started to mimmick some of the things we say to her all the time. Whenever we play “where’s the baby,” she’ll cover her eyes with her little chubby hands (our version of peek-a-boo). Then as we do every single time, we always follow it with, “I see you!” as she uncovers her eyes and squeals in delight. It’s the same game over and over, and each time is as good as the last. As we were playing recently, I noticed that she started saying some kind of babble, but it seemed familiar. After she kept repeating the same phrase over and over during our little game, I realized that her sounds-- “ahh-she-ooh” --were the same as my “I see you” to her! When I realized she was repeating me, I felt the most immense joy and pride. I was so happy with her for trying - for learning - for growing up. I almost felt silly that I was literally beaming with joy at her sweet baby babble. I felt like a first-time mom all over again where everything felt new, and my happiness and pleasure in her could hardly be contained.
This moment was special. Not just because Evynn did something cool. Not because she’s so cute. But because God spoke to me when this happened. In the midst of my happiness with her, He reminded me that this is how He sees me. He is happy with my growth...with my trying and with my determination. I don’t have to be perfect, and I may babble a little until I get it. But He loves that I try, and He’s proud. He faithfully pours out his grace upon me as I move forward, and He catches me when I fall. Psalm 37:23 says, The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.”
As we enter into this new year and decade, let’s remember that God’s nature is good. He’s a good Father, a faithful savior, and a Friend that sticks closer than a brother. I want you to have the boldness to go after things that you desire knowing that He’s right there with you cheering you on. I’ve been guilty of allowing the thoughts of the enemy like “I’m not qualified” or “I don’t know how to do that” paralyze me and keep me from ever starting. But when I meditate on how much God loves me, how proud He is of me and that He’s called me for a purpose just as He’s created me, it gives me the courage and faith to go after the things that He’s put in my heart! If you stumble, get back up. If you’re scared, trust Him and do it anyway. If you don’t think you’re qualified, don’t worry- none of us are qualified in our own abilities. But with Him and through Him, we can do all things. Let’s not just vow to “make it through” the year or resort to some half-hearted resolutions that we quit by the end of February. Let’s truly trust God and be brave. Will you go with me? Let’s allow this year to set the course for the rest of our lives!
READ: Psalm 37:23, Isaiah 60:1-2, Romans 8:31-32
PRAY: Lord, I trust You with my life. I give you everything I am and everything I have. I will boldly step out in faith knowing that You’ll be here with me every step. I will not shrink back in fear - I WILL move forward in faith. I love you. In Jesus’ name, amen!
