As I grew, I developed a streak of independence. I frequently said rather defiantly, “I can do it myself.” Mother let me do many things. When I crashed, she never said, “I told you so.” She simply picked me up and assured me things would go better the next time.
On the first day of school, we forgot a form that had to be completed. My mother assured the teacher she would bring it after school. When I arrived home, I announced I would take it back to the school. This would involve walking four blocks, turning onto a busy street, walking a few more blocks and then crossing that busy street.
When my mother told me she would walk with me and we’d take it together, I informed her I was in the first grade and I could take it “all by myself.” To my surprise, she said, “OK.”
I bravely started down the street. The neighbor’s big dog barked. I jumped and considered going home. I looked around. There was no one in sight. I walked on. I felt a little disoriented. Even with my new glasses, things didn’t look quite the same when I was walking alone.
But I made it all the way to school and proudly delivered the form and returned home. If my mother looked a bit tired, I never noticed. Years later, she told me of how she had followed close behind, hiding behind trees and fending off the dog herself. She also told me how proud she was of me when I was very careful crossing the street.
We may think we are walking alone in life, but we aren’t. Even when we are being stubborn, God will guide us. Even when we take a wrong turn, He is there, gently guiding us back on The Way. We are never truly lost because we are with Him.
Whether you turn to the right or the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is The Way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21
