Praize Blogs

I looked out of the kitchen window and smiled.  There on my lawn the most important event of the day was happening--a serious game of backyard ball! 

HOme plate was a patch of dirt in the grass--perfect for sliding in and making it look really good.  1st base was a tree stump, 2nd base was an old car mat and 3rd base was one of my good flower pots--luckily it was empty at the time! 

The kids were completely engrossed in the game.  The pitcher kept telling the imaginery man on 3rd to stay on the bag.  The catcher and batter were the same person--rarely did anyone get out at home. The kids were happy and content.  They did not want any parents around--or at least they did not care that we weren't.  If we walked out the door, they would kind of groan--fearful that we would "stop the game."  I must admit, it made me a little sad.  I remember the days when all they cared about was us.  My sister and I called them "Mommy Magnets".  Now, it is definitely "No Moms Allowed"--especially in backyard ball! 

Then something happened!  It was a collision at 3rd base!  Oops, there is blood--just a little on the knee, but the tears are really flowing! What is that I hear?....... "MOMMY! MOMMY!"  Suddenly, the Mom that was not allowed just moments ago is needed--desparately needed.  I am the band-aid keeper, afterall. 

I ran out the door and swooped up the injured player.  I gently cleaned the wound.  As I wiped away the tears, hugged and calmed the child and bandaged the knee, I could not help but think about how as Christians we do to our Heavenly Father exactly the same thing our kids to do us. 

When things are going well, we almost "forget" He is there.  We get busy with things and activities.  We "play" or work and find little time for anything else.  Then, something happens--sickness, tragedy, financial burden---the big boo-boos of life. And just like our own kids, we cry out to God.  We draw Him near.  We hang on tight and we pray.  We ask forgiveness, we ask for help, we ask for happiness and we thank Him.   Just like us, He was right there watching the whole time and is quick to respond when we call His name.  In fact, we did not even have to call Him.  He already knew what happened and was already there. 

THink about how much you as a parent would love it --if just once in awhile your child wanted you to be a part of the "game".  Or, gave you a big hug right in front of his friends when he wasn't hurt! Just as much would our Heavenly Father love it if we included Him in all of the moments of our lives--happy, mundane and sad. 

I feel certain that even though our kids "ignore" us sometimes, deep down, in the back of their minds, they know we are there watching and protecting.  The feel safe and don't even realize why.  It is the same for us.  We know that God is there.  We do love HIm and we feel secure.  We just "forget" to include Him in the details (thanks sis) of our lives. 

So,  on this Thanksgiving Day, I am thankful that a game of backyard ball reminded me that I serve an AWESOME God who is right here with me watching and protecting eagerly waiting for me to include Him in each and every play of the "game".  I am slowly working on doing just that............