Our grandson Joseph started walking last Sunday.

He had been taking steps around the furniture. His dad or mum would walk along with him holding him gently by the arms. This reminded me of the scripture in Hosea. “I myself taught Israel how to walk, leading him along by the hand. But he doesn’t know or even care that it was I who took care of him. I led Israel along with my ropes of kindness and love.”Hosea 12 v 3.

As I watch my son hold his son by the arms I see in him God our Father’s character. We as human beings want the best for our little ones how much more does our Heavenly Father want to care for us and to teach us the best for our lives if we would only let him.

Joseph was at a family party on Sunday. Other toddlers were there having a good time playing. He watched the others kids, who were his size, and got confidence from them.  Strength came into his small legs, and he took off without any help.  Isn’t it often the case that we can do things after we see someone else do it?

There is a saying I have heard often, “Learn to stand on your own two feet”.  This statement encourages us to be independent.  But has the need to become independent gone a bit too far in our society?

I am very grateful for our free education and health care in this country.

 My children have all had the opportunity to go to university.  At school, computer skills are taught.  The young children become whizz kids on the computer, mobile phone, iPad, iPhone or iPod.  My two year old granddaughter can use her dad’s iPad to turn on her favourite programs.

Their independence gives them these skills. However children have unsupervised access to the internet and open them to the influence of other people or values.

I went to the nurse with my young daughter recently to get some injections she needed to travel to Africa. I was asked to wait outside. The doctor can advise our children without any input from us as parents.

Although my children are independent and are able to stand on their own two feet, they are still dependent on family for nurture, love, encouragement, advice.

 I said in my book that my children seem to know more than me, which has left me perplexed many times.  Mum can be done without. Am I, after spending my life rearing my children to adulthood leave them to the mercy of the state.  No! No!  My husband and I have wisdom to impart to them if they want to receive it.  I will do my part to guide my family in ways that are good for them, away from harm.

Joseph, beginning to walk reminded me of the story in Acts 3 NLT about a lame man.

5 The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting a gift. 6 But Peter said, “I don’t have any money for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!” 7 Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man’s feet and anklebones were healed and strengthened. 8 He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them. 9 All the people saw him walking and heard him praising God. 10 When they realized he was the lame beggar they had seen so often at the Beautiful Gate, they were absolutely astounded! 11 They all rushed out to Solomon’s Colonnade, where he was holding tightly to Peter and John. Everyone stood there in awe of the wonderful thing that had happened”.  

Peter commanded the lame man to be healed in Jesus name.  Strength came into Joseph’s legs as his parents helped him up and held tightly to him.  Acts 7 v 28 says “In him we live and move and have our being”.  Daily life shows us the power of our Creator.

  ³ And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. ⁴ Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. ⁵ And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.  Matthew 18 NIV

 My grandson, a little child, learnt to stand up and walk.   If you have to take a step into something new go for it today.  The Creator of the universe is with you!   I hope my writing and story will inspire you to trust God just as the lame man did.

I will continue writing about prayer another time.

 

Angela