Growing Pains

Carter has always been a very verbal little guy. Even today, he is able to articulate thoughts and ideas that would be difficult for me, and I am so proud of his honesty and trust. I pray that he always feels comfortable to be open and share in the safety of home.

A few weeks ago, Carter went to a birthday party for one of his little friends. While there, he tripped in the cake room, bonked his head, and had a little crying spell. Cake and ice cream were then served and everything was better - doesn't that always make it better?

After we got in the car and headed home, without any warning or context Carter asked me, "Daddy, why do I fall down?"

I was able to answer him, "Buddy, you just had a little accident and tripped on the table leg."

I was not prepared for his response. "Daddy, why doesn't God help me?"

My immediate thought was, "God, why aren't you helping me answer this question?"!

Throughout the Bible, there are countless times when God brought his people through trials and difficult periods, but he did so eventually, without a clear timetable. Whether the Israelites, Job or Jairus's family, God did not immediately satisfy their desires or heal their afflictions, but he did eventually, according to His good will and His perfect timing.

In our family, we have experienced times when our plans were not satisfied, and God's plans differed from ours. How could this be, how could our plans, which we have prayed diligently over, not be honored by God?

My short answer to Carter was, "I don't know why God let you fall, Little Buddy, but we can say with confidence, that God always loves you, when you stand and even when you fall. Mommy and Daddy always love you. God loves you... always and forever, and no matter what!"

For something completely different, here was our runner-up photo for our Christmas card this year: