Friday, November 4, 2011

Do you really want more?

One stunning Sydney Saturday we took our three young princes for a bush walk, a regular favourite past time for our family. Trotting along, I again was the nominated mule, carrying lunches & drink bottles as my husband & boys flipped fallen logs in search of something dangerous (much to my fear) to catch... Secretly checking my phone's reception in case of an emergency, I sighed inwardly, wondering how long it would take for us to walk the short distance to our picnic spot. At this pace, stopping every 10 or so meters it was going to become a picnic dinner rather than the planned lunch!

I was feeling rather unadventurous that particular day & to be honest, feeling a little despondent as I ungratefully pondered how I was spending my Saturday morning. Suddenly and sweetly, my middle son, Bailey came walking along side me and proclaimed "Mummy, if a snake comes out on the path I want it to bite me and not you, I'll stand in its way so that you are safe". He stopped me right in my tracks... Here I was, wishing away our Saturday morning adventure, and my precious six year old son had been thinking of me (not that I would have let him intercept a snake for me!).

I wouldn't have traded that moment for anything, not for a manicure, not for a quite morning shopping alone, not for morning tea out with a friend, not for a sleep in, not for anything!

It reminded me again, that every moment is a God given gift & that we should choose to engage & be truly present. Psalm 4:6-8 in The Message speaks to this, "Why is everyone hungry for more? "More, more", they say. "More, more." I have God's more-than-enough, More joy in one ordinary day than they get in all their shopping sprees. At day's end I'm ready for sound sleep, for you, God, have put my life back together".

I'll never forget that simple Saturday morning, for the innocent sweetness of my six year old son, to the deeper understanding I gained of the innate desire boys have to explore & face danger. They are created to protect, to reflect the Father's heart towards us as our protector. And then beautifully, moments of perceived danger highlight to them that which they hold precious, that which they wish to protect... And I'm so thankful that for my sweet young Bailey on that unassuming Saturday, it was me.

Many Blessings

Xx Deni