Rescued by His love
By CHERYL CRUCE
It has been said that the youngest child of a large family is the most uncomplicated, outgoing, and fun-loving of individuals.
These are traits any person would like to have included in their resume´ of life. Nevertheless, there is a flip side to every coin. The youngest of the family can also add life skills like manipulation, attention-seeking, and rebellion.
As the family’s baby, I can attest to the validity of the abovementioned traits. Yet, in defense of the personality-building class of life, hopefully, the latter three are no longer a part of my being. Looking back on my youth, though, my manipulative-attention-seeking-rebellious side raised its head a few times, especially when Daddy spent time with the boys.
I recall a small boat Dad built for my brothers to paddle around the canals of Cedar Island. Christened “The Two Sons,” the boat was the highlight of their summer. To my dismay, I could only be in the boat if my brothers were with me, or I could sit in the boat if it were tied to our dock.
One day, I saw my opportunity and climbed into the homemade vessel. The rope tied to the dock would only let me drift so far. I would be in trouble if I untied the knot with my hands. However, if my bare feet manipulated the rope enough, I would be freed from the port and able to paddle the boat around the canal, showing my Daddy that I was his big, little girl – manipulation class 101.
The plans of a 5-year-old will often go wrong. I did not understand the strength of a receding tide or the skills it took to use the oars. Regardless of my efforts, my direction was heading out to sea. Scared and crying, I looked up to see my Dad standing at the front door of our home and my oldest brother coming to rescue me.
Once again, secured to the dock, Daddy reached for me, holding me close. I was grateful for the safety of his arms. There was no punishment; the fear of being lost forever was punishment enough. I never manipulated the rope or tested the tides again.
Oh, the lessons of life that remind us of the Father’s undying love. Just as my Dad had compassion on me that day, the Heavenly Father shows compassion on His children (Psalm 103:13). God understands the current of this world. Many tides of this world threaten to pull us away from the Father’s love. We may not be strong enough to maneuver against the antics of the darkness, but the darkness is as light to Him. His protection covers us. He knitted us together in our mother’s womb. We can go nowhere to hide from His presence. (Psalm 139).
I do not know where you are today, but God does. Our Heavenly Father is always watching from the front porch. His eyes are on His children. His love is everlasting; His salvation is for those who acknowledge Him (Psalm 91:14). The world cannot separate us from His love. He has written our name on the palm of His hand. Our picture remains in His heart (Isaiah 49:16). When we trust His compassion, nothing can pull us from His grasp (John 10:28-30). Trust Him today.
Romans 8:38-39 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Cheryl Mixon-Cruce is Pastor of Ochlockonee Bay United Methodist Church and Sopchoppy United Methodist Church.