When our only son was 18 and soon to be leaving for college, he totally surprised me and gave me a gift. It was a child’s book called “Kiss, Kiss” about a baby Hippo who runs joyfully off into the jungle, not looking back at his mom who is concerned and wonders where he went. He comes across different momma animals with their babies and each one is giving their little one a kiss. By the time baby hippo comes across the fifth mom and baby pair, it hits him that he ran from the one who loved him most and he quickly turns around and runs back past all of the animals to get back to his mom to give her a kiss.
That book was one of the sweetest and most treasured gifts from my son because prior to that, he had spent several years leaving as much as he could, stretching his wings to find freedom and was away from home as much as possible. He was searching for adventure, but that also meant that I didn’t see much of him. And it hurt.
I was waiting for him. Missing him. Praying for him. Day, after day, after day.
I see the fingerprints of Jesus all over this story.
How often in life do we make our plans without looking back to our Father? How often do we create our dream or wish list without including Him? We chase adventure, we seek new experiences, and we fly forward without checking in with the One who loves us most. The One who wants us to have dreams, adventures, plans and desires would like to be part of them! In the meantime, God waits patiently for us to turn back, look to Him, and include Him on those adventures.
Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. “
We aren’t promised a perfect life, but we do have a perfect Father who created us and wants to walk this journey with us. He is doing eternal work continually with our heart and spirit as we seek Him first and let Him in on our lives.
Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4)
Though my son grew 13 inches taller than me, he is, and always will be, my little boy.
And today, surprise of all surprises, he built a home for his family only three blocks away!
Journal/Reflection Questions:
1. Are there areas of your life that you need to let Jesus in on? What are they?
2. What could you do differently starting today? What steps can you make to put this into practice permanently?
Listening Prayer:
Ask Jesus: “Lord, I want to include you in all of my hopes, dreams, desires, plans and adventurers. I invite you into every single aspect of my life and want to walk with you, not in front of you. Would you please help me to remember to invite you in to every part of my life? In Jesus name, I pray.
Kathy Morgan has been married to her best friend, Bob, for over 37 years. Together they have four grown, married, children and seven grandchildren. Kathy is a Hospital Chaplain and loves mentoring women, hosting ministry events in her home, prayer, cooking, reading historical Biblical fiction, and eating all forms of potatoes.