Just Reach Out

I have the privilege of being the aunt of four nephews. Children are a wonder and little boys are especially fascinating to watch. When my second nephew was around 2 or 3 years old, the Lord used him to teach me a very powerful lesson. We had been playing at my mom and dad’s house and someone brought some lollipops to the play room. I had them and asked my nephew if he wanted one. He said yes, so I extended it to him. He was standing about a foot away from me. He reached for the lollipop, but was about an inch short of it. I was sitting down and didn’t feel like getting up, so I said, “Here it is. Take it.”

He made noises like he was reaching for it, but did not move. I said, “Take it.” He began to get frustrated and made more noises, but still didn’t actually take a step closer to reach the candy. I was perplexed and amused at the same time, but my nephew was getting more and more agitated. He started to cry. I said, “Do you want the sucker?” He nodded his head yes. “Then take it!” I said. He continued to cry and stay where he was, wiggling his little fingers but not moving the necessary inch to take the candy he desired. Finally, his mother ended the standoff and gave him the lollipop.

I don’t want to know how many times God has been extending something to me that I want but I have been too stubborn or childish to take a step forward in order to receive. I learned from my nephew that it is silly to look at what is being offered to you and refuse to reach out and take it. As I apply that to my heavenly Father, who gives good and perfect gifts, I know I can trust what is being handed to me and reach out in faith to receive it.