When one of my students walked into the classroom the other day, my first thought was – WOW!  This kid has grown!  When he heard me mention how big he was getting, he looked down at the floor and said that his grandma didn’t want him to get any bigger. My  heart immediately melted and I told him that she most likely said that because she loves him the way he is (so sweet) and wants him to stay that way forever!  

 

 

Much to my surprise, he explained that the REAL reason was due to his grandma’s back. He said that she had back pain when she carried him, and that it wouldn’t  be long before she would have to stop. 

 

It made me think…What is it about being carried that makes it so meaningful?! No doubt it sometimes brings comfort, and definitely makes you feel loved.  I have to think that sometimes it’s not just about being carried – more about being lifted up.

 

When I was little, I had this routine of falling asleep in the living room – right before bedtime. I remember that wonderful feeling I had when  my dad would scoop me up off of the floor or sofa, and carry me to my bed.  I also will never forget the time when my little world was turned upside down.  I had fallen asleep, and instead of picking me up, my dad WOKE ME UP and announced that it was time for bed. I didn’t budge. I remember him grabbing my hand and pulling me up while explaining that it was time for me to start walking on my own to my room.   I hated that day. I was crushed. I was a daddy’s girl, and suddenly I wasn’t his princess anymore. (Ha! At least that’s how I viewed it.)  I wish I could say that was the last time that I became angry and ‘didn’t budge’ when life took a turn.

 

I can’t think of a better comparison than the love and wisdom of our Heavenly Father. Sometimes he has to carry us, but only until it’s time for us to stand up on our own – and follow him.

 

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5
“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Matthew 16:24