Know any three year olds? Then you also know the “Me do!” and “I don’t care what you say, I’m doing this my way,” lifestyle they live.
Example: A tricycle ride this week from the car to the playground with my 3 year old grandson.
Line of sight route: Uphill, across gravel, grass and sand.
Prepared route: Flat, paved path.
No way was he taking the somewhat longer route on the paved path.
Off he went on the road less traveled.
When the bike bogged down in the sand, I offered a push.
“No! Me Do!”
I gave what I thought was a gentle, helpful nudge anyway.
“No! No! No!” Crying and whining he backtracked and replaced the tricycle on the spot where the nudge forward had occurred.
And so it went until we eventually reached the playground…
What’s funny is this is exactly how I act in my desire to be self-sufficient and adequate without the help of God.
I see what I’m certain is the best way to go and charge off in that direction, peddling uphill, confident in my own abilities, and then cry when I’m bogged down wondering why God has made it so hard for me to succeed.
The alternative—continually seeking God’s guidance and help—even when I’m sure I can handle something on my own, is a far more enjoyable way to live.
Instead of dividing life into two categories:
- “I got this.”
- “Lord, I need You.”
Why not seek God’s help and rely on Him in every situation before you go for it?
“Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all.” Proverbs 3:5 The Message
