I love to people watch, and a recent visit to Disney World gave me ample time for it. One morning after walking to Disney Springs from our hotel, as I waited for the World of Disney store to open, I sat on a brick wall and watched the many people go by. I giggled as I watched a young couple with their toddler son. He had been let out of the stroller and was exploring the world around him, his daddy just a few paces behind. I noticed this little fellow repeatedly going in completely the opposite direction that his daddy was encouraging him to go. He would look over his shoulder to see if his dad was watching and purposely ignore his pleas taking off on yet another adventure, his dad frantically chasing him yet again. I was giggling and giggling. At one point the little guy ran full on down to a fence between him and Lake Buena Vista. He again looked behind to see if dad was following. I think dad was as his wits end at this point, so he bent down, grabbed the little fellow by the back of his overalls and swung him into his arms, carrying him back to mom who waited patiently by the stroller. Dad just continued to carry him at that point.I couldn't help think of our Heavenly Father through all of that. We, ridiculous and adventurous, running completely opposite of our Father's guidance on the correct path, and Him graciously and patiently shepherding us back on the right track. And I can think of a few times when I'm pretty sure He grabbed me by the back of my overalls, picked me up and carried me a bit so I would be protected and refocused on where I was supposed to be.
I'm sure every once and awhile God throws up His hands as we venture far of the path to leave us to our own devices and learn from the wrong choices. I wondered, if that ever present daddy at Disney would have just let his son go off and not watched, protected, redirected and carried his boy, what would have happened to him? Lost? Most definitely. Injured? Quite possibly. Taken by another? In this crazy world, uh huh. Likewise, the same could happen to those who wander away from God's Word, law and direction. Lost? Most definitely. Injured? Quite possibly. Taken by another? In this crazy world, uh huh.
I'm impressed by the Disney dad's persistence in caring for his son. Those days are far from over and I pray he is as resilient as the years go on. And I more so pray for the son, that he listens to his father, obeys and stays on the right track.
We have those same opportunities and choices. God in His great love, has given His creation free will. Praying that we have the integrity, fortitude, awe, courage, strength and perseverance to stick with Him. The journey will be far less risky, far more abundant and certainly more beneficial to our growth. I mean, seriously, we aren't toddlers anymore. Or children or teens for that matter. We know better. Praying we behave as such.
