Totally Dependant...

For some time now Kendall has been going to Joan’s for day care. Kristin teaches a one hour aerobics class twice a week -- and Kendall goes to Joan’s during those times.
From the beginning Kristin and I have taken turns taking her there, and I admit it has been pretty hard for me to drop her off, spend a few minutes and then leave. Every time I would start to leave – Kendall would say “but daddy, would you stay and play with me? Or daddy, I want to go with you,” and big tears would fill her eyes. (That’s a heartbreaker)
So, for me to be able to leave without her getting upset, we had to distract her. Joan says Kendall has me wrapped around her little finger, I say she’s right. (But isn’t that how dads are supposed to be with their daughters?)
Here’s the problem…
Lately when I take her to Joan’s -- we hang out a few minutes -- and then she starts playing with the other children. I usually hang around a little longer, and then say “bye Kendall – daddy loves you! She says I love you too daddy! And then I leave. And as I drive away I think about how good it is for her to be comfortable staying there without mommy or daddy with her. I thank God that a godly woman like Joan is in Kendall’s life… and then I pout a little as I think about how easy it was for me to leave, she didn’t even put up a little fight. Ultimately I know that as Kendall grows – she will become less dependant on us to look out for, and take care of her -- but I don’t have to like it. I love the thought of my little girl being mature and strong, but I’m not so crazy about her getting there without mommy and daddy any time soon – after all – she’s my little girl.

Isn’t it interesting that things are just the opposite when it comes to our relationship with God? With our children, we are called to help them develop independence, at lease to a large degree. But when it comes to our relationship with God – he calls us to a life of total dependence on him. Instead of growing up and maturing to the point that we can make it on our own – as it is with children and their parents -- God tells us that growing up and maturing as a Christian – is to be totally dependant on him, to look to him in everything, and for everything. Can you imagine how blessed our lives would be if we allowed ourselves to become totally dependent on him?!
The truth is… we already are.


I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Phil. 4:13
…apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5