Live.Awake

The Difference Between Trial and Adventure

// July 2nd, 2009 // Christian Living

Standing in the surf today with my 2 year old son, a small wave came along.  The wave was no higher than my calf, but to him it seemed life threatening.  He reached up and grabbed my hand and the wave splashed on by.

I could see that, for the first time, he had realized that the beach was not just fun, but dangerous as well.  After that, he has not been willing to stand in the ocean without holding my hand.  Eventually, I know that he will learn to play in the ocean without holding on to my hand but until then I’m happy standing there to make him more secure.

What’s interesting is that when I’m holding his hand the danger of the waves is exciting and thrilling.  When I’m not holding his hand, the waves are scary and threatening.

I wonder if this could be how it is with God.  Maybe the difference between a trial and an adventure is whether or not we are holding the Father’s hand or wrestling away from Him in self-reliance?