Levels Of Protection

I"m not exactly sure what prompted this yesterday, as I was thinking about the levels to which we will go to protect our kids. A confluence of thoughts seemingly entered in rapid fire succession...

... the number of times my youngest has told me "you're the  best daddy ever" over the past few weeks
... the number of times they've made me smile or laugh
... the number of times they've frustrated me, by not listening or disobeying
... how I'd respond if something tragic happened to one or both of them
... how my friends who have lost a child, either hours or days after birth, or at an incredibly young age...

And I'm sure there's a few more. It was a weird few moments, for certain. Sure, there's the obvious, care and concern of the physical safety, that we take into consideration as we work to protect our kids. But then there's the wisdom, understanding and discernment that comes, to help us protect them emotional, mentally and spiritually. Sometimes, even the littlest things become factors... like reading the news article of a terrible accident yesterday, of a semi-truck whose load came loose and entered the cab of the truck, while on the highway. The driver is okay, but you wouldn't know that to look at the pics. And last night, I'm turning the phone away, as my youngest comes over and asks "whachya looking at?" Nothing that you need to see, sweetie.

Such is life for the believer, as God does the same for us. It amazes me, His daily hand of protection upon our lives. Sure, tragedy occcurs and we encounter the unthinkable and even, the unfathomable, but the grace and peace of God is with us in the midst of it all... even when we are too troubled to realize it or remember it. On the flip side, I'm always taken aback by my own stupidity. Seriously, God? That had to happen? You allowed that to happen? I know He's using it all for His glory and there are teaching moments and times of revelation, that perhaps are nothing more than keeping us in the mindset that we must rely on Him; but nevertheless, that doesn't mean I'm not shaking my head attempting to understand at times, and coming up short. 

Life is hard. Not so much at times, but certainly, more than it should be at other times. And, I know sooner typed that last sentence, and TobyMac just started on Pandora. 

"Some days life feels perfect // Other days, it just ain't workin."

You're not kidding, Toby!!

On this #youthPastorWednesday, I speak life to youth and kids pastors. For the times and circumstances, for which there is great tragedy and loss, and while they turn to God, there seems to be little comfort and or, little understanding. Pray God would strengthen and gird them up, anew and afresh. May their be a fresh revelation and a fresh outpouring in their lives, that God would accomplish the miraculous; whether the situation is the result of our own humanity and stupidity or circumstances beyond our control, for which God will display His glory. Pray for wisdom and discernment, as they minister to youth and teens... to lead them into the presence of God; to help build foundations of faith where young people will walk with God, no matter what He takes them through, as His plans and purpose are revealed in their lives... working all things together for good.

For His love never fails.
Though there's pain for the night,
Joy comes in the morning.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

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