Believe it (or Not)

Mark 9:24 I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!

I blinked. That is precisely how long it took for Clara (5) to go from infant to Kindergartner.  Armed with a Vera Bradley lunchbox and 96 crayons individually labeled with her name, she was ready to take on elementary school. 

On milestone days, a mom faces them with a strange concoction of pride and fear, excitement and dread.  As my emotions flitted around the dial, I prayed.  I hoped.  I dreamed. 

I prayed for a daughter who acclimated easily.  I hoped for a teacher who would "get" Clara.  I dreamed of a future which would come sooner than I think.

We burst through the back doors of Clara's school to find her classroom.  As the door inched closer, I wondered what entry Clara would make.  Her feet never slowed.  Her confidence never waned.  She entered the classroom as if she were made for that moment.

Today's passage is Psalm 38.  In this chapter David lays his deepest longings before God.  His heart pounds with anticipation.  Will God deliver?  How will God bring him through? 

I wish I faced new challenges with Clara's confidence and courage.  Too often I want to shrink back and not press forward.  I blame my lackluster attitude on undeveloped skills or unattained knowledge.  In reality, what I lack is belief.

David ends his psalm with a plea for God to come quickly.  David didn't question if God was coming just when.  He walked with confidence and courage.

Jesus, very likely You will ask something of me today I feel too small to handle.  Truth is I am too small to handle it.  But...You are so big.  I don't have to wonder if You'll come.  I can stride confidently into whatever new challenge You give knowing Your entry is a when not an if.  Believe it or not...

12 comments:

  1. Love, love, love YOU! Your words are always inspiring! THANK YOU!

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  2. Great story..and good WORD. Would love Clara's confidence...and the Vera Bradley lunchbox!

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  3. Maria, you are so kind. Love your encouragement and spirit!

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  4. Kelli, perhaps I need to do a back-to-school Vera Bradley giveaway? :) Thanks so much for stopping by today!

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  5. I cannot believe that sweet baby is old enough for school! And Vera Bradley? That made me laugh because in our house we do Target bags because I have boys. I wonder what it would be like to get to buy a cute lunch box?

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  6. Suzette, I know right? I seriously was just pregnant yesterday. Vera Bradley is one of the many joys of living in a sorority house. :)

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  7. Beautiful post; I can definitely relate. I think we all could stand to have just an ounce of Clara's confidence and courage. What a wonderful and encouraging way to witness. I very much enjoyed this post and I look forward to reading many more from your delightful and insightful blog. Thank you for your kind comment and for following my blog as well; you are so sweet!

    Have a great week,
    Kate

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  8. Shannon,
    Isn't it funny how kids have a confidence that we, as adults, lose when we have failed or fallen a few times. Your post is a wonderful reminder to walk with confidence and courage that we can only get from Him!
    Thanks so much for visiting my blog. You are a blessing!
    ~Erin
    www.mynuggetsoftruth.blogspot.com

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  9. Kate, so excited you stopped by! I pray you were refreshed and will come back to the oasis often! Sweet blessings to you today!

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  10. Erin, what a great perspective. Makes me think about Proverbs 24:16 For though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again. God's best for us is to dust us off and for us not to lose our confidence. Thanks for your visit. It was so encouraging!

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  11. Anna, Chacos are these ridiculously expensive shoes (www.chacos.com) that teenagers wear these days. Of course there are no coupons. I was only dreaming. Then again, if anyone could find them, you could! :) Thanks for stopping by!

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