Being a sophomore, I use babysitting as my way to earn a little money on the side here and there, versus of getting a 'real' job (but I'm not complaining). I started babysitting a couple of years ago when I was 13 or 14, but never imagined it would grow and develop into the positive thing that it has become. I imagined that babysitting would grow to be tedious, and nothing more than "just trying to get through it," but even time after time, and hour after hour, for some reason it never seems to get old. Even through the messy meals, dirty diapers, endless episodes of kids' Netflix shows (sometimes a movie and popcorn if we're really getting fancy), and the cleaning up of lots of toys, there's something through the act of babysitting that gives me a joyful fulfillment that I haven't been able to find through anything else yet.
I think the most joyful thing I get to experience through babysitting, are the relationships I get to develop over time with the kids I get to watch. It's gotten to the point where babysitting doesn't really feel like a job anymore, and I look forward to seeing my little friends. Something that has surprised me through babysitting is just how attached kids can get to you. I've learned and discovered over time just how vulnerable kids will become, and how they begin to trust you - a lot. The majority of kids I watch are usually the ages between 2 through 5, and I've come to realize that they are at the age where they want to tell you everything. Like literally - everything. From the general common things, like the new activity they're in, or the brand new toy they got as a birthday present, or the more personal things, like how they're learning to use the potty and now they're in big girl/boy underwear (because diapers and pull-ups are for babies/little kids, Abby-Lynn - duh). They're eager to share, eager to tell, and want you to be excited with and for them.
But in the end, above all else, I think the thing I treasure and find most precious, is when the kids want to be with me. From, snuggling on the couch while watching a movie, to me hugging and holding them because they fell down and got an owie, or just wanting to lay down on my lap or shoulder because they're tired, these are the things that come with babysitting that can't be beaten. I mean, I guess even if it weren't me, they'd naturally do the same with whoever is watching them, but regardless, it still gives me joy when I can be there with them to share those little moments.
And that, friends, is where The Lord comes in.
God is the exact same way with us. God is our Father and He loves us! Even in the middle of our messes, having to get us through our stinky situations, and picking us up when we fall down, He doesn't grow tired of us, and His love most definitely does not run dry. Like I said, I treasure the moments when the kids come to me, wanting me to hold them, asking me for help, and trusting me to take care of whatever is wrong. What makes us think that God doesn't want the same from us? God wants us to want Him; He wants us to feel vulnerable and to be able to go to Him when we need help. He wants to be there to pick us up when we fall down, and He wants to share every single moment with us - whether big, or small - because God not only wants us, He desires us.
But the thing is, do we want the same?
Do we want to share with God everything that's going on in our lives? Do we desire Him?
Are we going to Him when we fall down, wanting Him to pick us back up? Are we asking Him for help when we don't know what to do? Do we ask Him to heal our hurt when we get wounded, or rely on Him for our rest? If you're like me, the answer may be no. Which then leads me to ask another question - why? I know personally, sometimes I find myself running to my parents or other Christians when I'm in need, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but why am I running to other sources other than The Lord? Why do I do that? Sometimes I feel like I might 'bother' God if I come to Him with ALL my burdens, and I catch myself thinking "why would God want to deal with my problems?" when really, God has shown me that He doesn't deal with us in our problems, He disciples and directs us through them, because that's how we learn and grow
Matthew 11:28 says: Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.
I realized that kids don't hesitate going to their parents when their toys get broken, or when they need help because they got themselves into some sort of predicament. They don't hesitate because they know that their parents want to help them; they know that's what mommies and daddies are for - to help them and teach them. Anytime they're hurt, they're in need, or maybe they just need to a big hug and an occasional cry (girls will understand this) they always run to their parents.
Just like our parents, God wants us to run to Him when we're in need, and He wants us to allow Him to hold us when we need comfort and security.
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog! Feel free to comment or let me know any thoughts you might have.
May God's grace and love abound,
-Abby Lynn
No comments:
Post a Comment