The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? Psalm 118:6
Our pediatric dentist office is a kid’s dream! There are lots of toys, books, and free video games. Who am I kidding; it’s just as much an adult’s dream. They have PacMan! Included in the waiting room is a dime store pony. My kids love it! Once while waiting to be seen, I was fascinated by watching various kids play on the horse. One little boy in particular caught my attention because he was still a little loopy from the medication that they had given him. He climbed onto the pony and hit the button. He looked like a tiny drunk cowboy, barely hanging on. The dad found this to be hilarious but his delight quickly turned sour when his wife very loudly reprimanded him for placing the child in obvious danger.
I secretly chuckled at her concern over her child being dragged to his death by a dime store pony. Don’t get me wrong; I used to be her! After working for over 15 years with paraplegics, quadriplegics and traumatic brain injuries, I was the ultimate safety bug. No skateboards, no bikes, and especially no trampolines. Who creates these?! And car seats are a must until high school. My son used to joke that he was the only kid in the neighborhood who had to wear a helmet to take a walk. But something happened as my walk with the Lord deepened: I loosened my kids into His capable hands. I let them grow into the adventurous kids He created them to be. I don’t believe for a second that we were all made to sit on the sidelines. I think we are supposed to be in the race, cheering one another on, getting back up when we fall, and doing our best for His glory.
My little Holly-Beth climbed onto that pony and with great delight, showing me her “no hands” move, her side-saddle ride, her standing-on-the-foot-pegs. She was grinning ear to ear as I cheered her on! I was just about to convince her to climb up on its back like a circus performer when Safety Mom came over and told her that she should stay seated with both hands on the pegs or she could fall and get really hurt. Holly-Beth sat down and remained perfectly still with her eyes facing the floor until the ride was over. She got off and never got back on. I had to wonder, am I raising my kids to tell hostile people groups in foreign lands about Jesus or to stay safely seated, their hands gripping the pews?
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7