Holding On

How clearly I recall my boys as toddlers.  Sometimes they sought comfort, care and the protective guidance of us as their parents.  Other times they rebelled, held back from guidance which they saw as an infringement on their freedom. I remember at times holding my hand out to them and seeing them in return rebuff the gesture of care.  They wanted independence.
 Seeking contentment and peace I turned to Isaiah 40 today and read of God's consistency, presence and care in the face of a people who accused Him of abandonment and neglect.  I stopped and pondered, how do we manage to move so far away from God that we attribute to Him qualities that are as remote from Him as the ocean floor is from the stars above?
The Scriptures tell us that God is in fact very invested in us, He holds us by his loving and tender hand.  We in return act like self willed 2 year olds.  We hold our hand back, we turn our shoulder and avoid connection with our gracious Father. Instead of perceiving care, we impute his closeness with control and we rebell. 
As we become more mature we learn that relying on a helping hand is a good and wise thing to do.  As I look at my own actions today, I want to discern, am I being like a self willed 2 year old who does not want a guiding hand, or am I trusting and relying on the very present help of my Heavenly Father who will guide me with wisdom and loving care.