Come near to God and He will come near to you. James 4:8, NIV
Recently, my wife, oldest daughter, and youngest grandson joined me on a six-hour drive to an education conference. Because it was such a long drive, we had preplanned several stops along the way. At one point during our journey, five-year-old Jeyce dropped his crayons on the floor and asked for help.
I said, “I hear you, and I will get them at the next stop.”
He then dropped some Lego pieces and asked for help again.
I responded, “I hear you, and I will get them at the next stop.”
Next, he asked for a toy that was inside the luggage in the back.
I answered, “I hear you, and I will get this at the next stop.”
His next request entailed help fixing a broken toy.
I once again answered, “I hear you, and I will look at the toy at the next stop.”
When we stopped, the first thing I did was fill the tank at the gasoline pump. I could see Jeyce in his car seat from the back window. I was prepared to locate his lost items, retrieve the toy from the luggage in the back of the vehicle, and fix his broken toy. But first, I wanted a little connecting time. So I crouched down beside our SUV, scooted under his passenger window, and jumped up!
Jeyce never looked my way but continued to manipulate his broken toy. I crouched again and suddenly sprang up! Once again, Jeyce gave no acknowledgment but continued to handle the broken toy. I was so disappointed that he hadn’t looked my way, laughed, or said something in response.
I opened the passenger door and asked, “Jeyce, why are you ignoring me.”
Without looking up, Jeyce answered, “I am not ignoring you SamPa, I’m just busy.”
I wondered, How often am I like Jeyce?
God wants my attention, but I am preoccupied. God is ready to help, but I am trying to fix something on my own. God wants to connect with me as His precious child, but I seem to be ignoring Him because I am just busy.
God is always near. He desires to have a relationship with us. He is available to provide guidance, comfort, and peace.
Lord, may we actively seek You and be aware of Your presence in our daily lives. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Copyright Sam Ayers.
Sam is a lifetime retired Christian Educators member. He is currently preparing teachers and principals at Lubbock Christian University.
2 Responses
What a beautiful object lesson!
Wow, Sam! I love this reminder to stop trying to fix our broken things ourselves and just wait patiently for the One who knows exactly how and when to do it Himself. All the while, all He wants as we wait is our attention. We miss out on so much joy because we are worrying instead of giving Him the attention He deserves!
I’m so thankful you shared this story with us.