Holy Brit

My seven year old had promised not to complain - in fact more than just a promise - she had pretty much been told she could not get there and back with for out complaining by her dad and she was stubborn to prove him wrong. So, even after the very long hike up North Mountain today, when we were nearly at the magic spot which she had declared to be "nearly there", when she tripped and grazed her knee - she did not complain. She told me she wanted to say some words but could not - that would be complaining.

She made it back quiet and happy that she had achieved something. She was not particularly smiling or gloating - just confident in her success. I was happy for her.

I also realize that from time to time it is simply stubbornness that keeps us going in our faith - that determination to hold on tight to something which we know we can keep going with and which will get us there. But the real answer is not to cling, the real answer is to float in God.

It is like those times when you have a child who is tired and hot and bothered who can be distracted with the pleasure of songs or stories or friends and find that enjoyment carries their feet and their exhaustion - so simply falling back into the arms of God and enjoying that pleasure can be more effective than our rather stifling stubbornness.

Or perhaps that is stubbornness of a different sort - God refusing to let go instead of us trying to cling so desperately on.