Leave the big stuff to Dad

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.  -Ephesians 2:4-5 (NIV)
 
I met my 15-week-old grandson for the first time this week. Our introductions were delayed by social and travel restrictions related to the pandemic. I was amazed at how much he has changed from the pictures and videos we saw just a few short weeks ago. It won’t be very long before he’s walking and talking. And when he starts to talk, it won’t be long until he says, “I’ll do it myself”.
 
Since they did not know the righteousness of God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness.  -Romans 10:3 (NIV)
 
Because as people, that’s what we do. We want to work it out for ourselves. That’s good and healthy – up to a point. My grandson will, as my granddaughter does, and all my kids did, take on tasks that are bigger than their capabilities. That’s how we learn what we can do, what our limits are, what we need more practice and instruction for, and how to ask for help. Some of those things we eventually grow into. But some were never ours to take on. Wisdom comes in learning the difference.
 
 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.  -Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)
 
I recently came across a book of poetry. The book is called Widen, and it is written by Chris Rice, who you may know as a Christian singer/songwriter. The poems are thought provoking, and I found a couple of short ones that I thought related well to the thoughts and scriptures above. Maybe you will too.
 
Grace
Ah, silly children!
Toss away your measuring sticks
And play.
 
Only immeasurable things matter,
And they have already been
Reckoned.
 
The measure is held up against Another
And by no mistake,
You are the ones declared worthy.
 
First Stone
He knelt to scratch unspoken words
Into crusty dirt.
 
He coaxed my eyes away from her
And to myself.
 
I dropped my stone and backed away
And wandered home.
 
Bread, Wine, and Water
I wish he had said it-
I can almost hear him-
Just after he pointed to the bread and wine
And gave them their reminding powers,
Might he have added
“Whenever you play in a creek,
Remember your baptism,
And that you are mine.”
 
Let's work and play and pray the stuff that is ours, and leave the big stuff to our Father.