Tip of My Iceberg

Three-year-olds are notorious for wanting to do things themselves. They’re often impatient with change, they’re not fond of receiving advice from anyone, and they tend to express their independence with big feelings.

I was recently in Tucson to help my daughter and her husband by watching their two girls while the family attended a memorial for my son-in-law’s brother. The occasion was sad; everyone felt the heaviness of the day. For a three-year-old and a ten-month-old, understanding all that was happening was elusive. I offered to help by staying with the girls during the service.

My two sisters live in Tucson, so I got to see my family. They helped by watching the two little girls with me.

Kolly had met my sisters before; she was familiar with them, but not as familiar as with family who live in Orlando. When I asked them to accompany me to babysit, they didn’t hesitate.

What could have been awkward, because everyone was rushing around with somber attitudes, was wonderfully easy. Kolly and her little sister were quite content with the three of us; more playmates and more fun.

This was also new for my sisters. They hadn’t been around these two little ones much, and to be present for three hours, focusing on entertaining them, was a stretch.

What a beautiful stretch it was.

This was an unexpected embracing of something new and different. There was no complaining or whining, just fun with new friends.

Wouldn’t it be amazing if we all could adjust to new things with such an upbeat attitude? With a lack of complaints and reasons not to be content?

I often bridle at the possibility of change, not wanting my schedule or priorities to be disrupted, choosing not to be flexible with what others believe are necessary modifications to what I see as well-established.

How human of me.

There are several situations in the Bible where people have been challenged with what they hadn’t anticipated. Not minor inconveniences, but changes that impacted their lives. Not only unexpected, but uncomfortable.

Abraham was established in Ur, which is in Mesopotamia, with a family, land, and security. His father-in-law had moved him and his family to Haran, a city in southeastern Turkey located near the Syrian border, where they established themselves comfortably in this new region.

Then God surprised them.

“The LORD said to Abram: ‘Go from your land, your relatives, and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.’” Genesis 12:1

There was no roadmap given, no clear directions other than “Go.” Abram was promised that he would become a great nation, though he had no children. God told him all families on earth would be blessed through him, without any idea that he’d have an heir.

“So Abram went, as the LORD had told him, and Lot (his nephew) went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran.” Genesis 12:4

Seventy-five years of age is no spring chicken, but Abram (Abraham) left, following God’s instructions.

As a result, he is known as the first of the Hebrew patriarchs, a man of great faith and faithfulness, one who was blessed through his obedience. The Jewish nation is referred to as the children of Abraham.

All because he chose to do the unexpected and new, trusting God’s word more than his own feelings.

If we were more open to recognizing God as all-knowing and having our best at heart, we wouldn’t feel so anxious when change happens. Because it will. Change is part of life; embracing change brings new opportunities and adventures.

Just ask a three-year-old.