When my oldest son and daughter-in-law lead their youth camp each summer, I get the privilege of keeping my grandchildren, Roman and Nova. They are both at a fun age, especially Nova, as she has recently learned to walk and explore, curious and easily entertained, but definitely still a bit needy. Roman, on the other hand, is a big help at age five.
I can’t help but see the resemblance between my care for them and the way God cares for all of us. The Bible says, “See how very much the Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1, NLT).
Just as they can be impatient for their meals, we are often impatient for God’s provision. No matter how many times I tell them dinner is almost ready, they sometimes act as if it’s life-and-death. And I’ve thought, “Is that how we act when we don’t see God behind the scenes getting what we need?” And then there’s other times, when they are completely relaxed in my arms, so trusting, without a care in this world, and I’m reminded of the many times I’ve felt the same in God’s care.
1 Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” I see this two ways. One, God cares about us. He doesn’t wish any harm to come upon us. And He genuinely loves us as His children. But secondly, God cares for us. In other words, just as I take care of my grandchildren’s needs, God takes care of our needs. Paul said it well: “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19, NLT).
It’s such a comfort to know God’s love this way. And it makes me grateful Roman and Nova know the love their parents (and grandparents) have for them. But although our love for them will never change, their need for us to take care of every little thing will. It’s the same with us and God. When I was a “baby” Christian, God took extra care of me, protecting me from dangers, feeding me what I needed (making sure I didn’t put the wrong thing in my mouth), and guiding me as I learned to walk on my own.
Now that I’ve matured as a Christian, my status as a child of God hasn’t changed, but God’s expectations of me have. “You have been believers [children of God] so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s Word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right. Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong ” (Hebrews 5:12-14, NLT).
I’m in no rush to see them grow up. I’m enjoying this phase of life. But I wouldn’t always want them to be babies. I’ll find just as much joy in watching them mature and experience all the things that come with growing up. This is how it is with God and His children too. He loves every phase of our lives, but desires for us to mature.
When my youngest child moved to college last year, I took it hard. As happy as I was for her to step into this new phase of her life because she’s ready, I was sad for myself— until I thought about the alternative. I would never want her to be in a position where she had to live with me for the rest of her life. So I embraced this season!
We need to remember every season in our children’s lives can be enjoyable (even with challenges).
And no matter how old they get, I will always be ever-ready to help my kids and grandkids any way I can. But I also have high hopes of them maturing and doing great things all on their own! Because that’s what all children should do— even children of God.
