As my two-year-old son held my hand, he ran with a display of excitement. His little legs picking up speed with every movement, causing him to become wobbly on his feet, resulting in a stumble and a trip. He had been running towards the lake with an expectancy to see the ducks. The previous times we’ve been to visit them, they hadn’t been there, so I had told him that they were all very tired and were asleep. The problem was, I had said that three times already! Even though he hadn’t seen them the last few times, it didn’t take away the eagerness of the possibility of seeing them again. He didn’t have any concept of time as he ran, nothing mattered but seeing those ducks. His enthusiasm and urgency were enough for anyone around him to want to follow and find out what the buzz was all about! My son certainly wasn’t moving forward with any caution. He was however, trusting that I was right by his side, holding his hand and safely guiding him towards his destination, ready to pick him up if, and in this case, when he stumbled.
It took my thoughts to the times when Jesus has spoken into my heart through the Holy Spirit about something he has wanted me to do, somewhere he’s wanted me to go. However, my desire was to rush ahead, out of obedience and delight, but not always with caution. I might forget my surroundings, things that are important to me perhaps become neglected. Not out of intention, but the vision becomes a bubble of ambition that floats me towards the given mission! However, it can cause the foundations around me to subtly fade away. Until……POP! The bubble hits something sharp and there is a realisation that I’ve gone ahead without taking the right steps. The result being like my son, rushing towards the ducks. There is a stumble and a trip, and maybe even a step on the wrong path.
Thankfully, Jesus is always there smiling at me with compassion. Loving me and my enthusiasm to do His will, whilst gently speaking into my heart to take His hand and slow down. When we slow down, Jesus reminds us of our surroundings and our foundations, revealing to us the vision He has for our lives, but, unravelling it in His time. During these seasons, I am reminded to hold onto the priorities in my life and other important ministries that have a place in my heart. When Jesus slows us down, we can sit at his feet, rest in Him and in His word until we are renewed, reminded, replenished and ready to start taking steps towards the right path once again. However, this time, with all the foundations in the right place, and our feet sitting firmly on the solid rock of Jesus.
Proverbs 16:1 NLT
We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.