By Rae Lynn DeAngelis
After finishing up dinner at one of our favorite local restaurants, we decided to check out the live music playing down the street. The night was still young.
Only a few buildings away, we found a musician outside another restaurant singing and playing his guitar. We found a bench nearby, sat down, and enjoyed the free entertainment. The music was relaxing and fun, but the people-watching was even more entertaining.
We observed individuals, couples, and families walking up and down the street. Some hurried to their destination. Others strolled casually, immersed in conversation.
After a while Gerry pointed out a father and his very young daughter walking side-by-side. She looked to be no more than three years old. Untethered from her daddy, she excitedly bounced up and down, enjoying her perception of independence… until they approached the corner of an intersection, that is.
Although it was a quiet side-street with little to no traffic, the dad recognized his opportunity. This was a teachable moment. He elevated his voice just loud enough for his little girl to hear, “You need to stop and look both ways.”
The little girl, oblivious to her surroundings, didn’t miss a beat. Instead of stopping (or looking both ways) she simply reached up, grabbed her daddy’s hand, and kept on walking. She was not the least bit worried. She knew daddy would keep her safe.
Immediately, the Lord spoke to my heart. RaeLynn, that little girl with her dad paints a beautiful picture of a loving, trusting relationship.
It’s good to be cautious along life’s journey. It’s good to be adventurous too. But we must never forget, God (our heavenly Father) is by our side, watching closely, ensuring our safety, and looking for teachable moments along the way.
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it” (Isaiah 30:21).
Whether it’s an opportunity, move, relationship, challenge, or conversation, we must listen for God’s direction. His still small voice will remind us when it’s time to speak up, be silent, move ahead, slow down, stay put, or stop and look both ways.
And when we’re still unsure of the way, we simply need to reach up, take the Lord’s hand, and let Him lead. Because He always knows the way.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
“You have searched me, Lord,
and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways” (Psalm 139:1-3).
“Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long” (Psalm 25:5).
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