Scared to let go

I was just at a dear friends house for BBQ. I noticed that my friend was trying to let Eb walk on her own but was scared that she might fall. Just a week ago I was feeling that way. I loved this picture. Even though it is so simple, it says so so much. You can see the anxiousness in my friend hands trying to safe guard Eb. You can also see how oblivious Eb is to my friend. 


I think one of the toughest things a parent does it finding the balance protecting their child and enabling their child to be independent.


I don't think this can be learned once. I notice that I face this particular struggle often. It begins as they are infants. You want to let them walk on their own, but you don't want them to fall. I remember following Abbie around and holding her up as she walked. When a friend told me that it is not only ok to let Abbie fall, but it is actually beneficial. She needed to learn how to take a tumble and how to hold her balance.


As they grow they learn new skills and demand more independence. It can be tricky deciding how much freedom to give them. I believe, no matter how much freedom you do decide to give your child, you need to be there for them if they fall. Children will always get boo boos, they will be physical, emotional, social, or spiritual. 


It is so encouraging to know that God, our Father, does the same thing for us. Although He gives us direction, He has given us free will. He allows us to be independent. When we end up falling, He is always there to pick us up. 


Romans 8:14 " For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God."


James 4:10 "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."


Romans 8:38-39 " For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."