“Here’s what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.” ~ Matthew 6:6 (The Message)
This week, my little boy hasn’t been feeling well. I agree, that having a cold is lousy, no matter how old you are. He is coping by staying extra close to me – all the time. As in, I’d better not leave the room for a second, or else I hear him shouting, “Mom!” or sobbing as though I had abandoned him to the wolves.
Today he was following me around, but with the added twist of dragging with him the three enormous, mylar, helium-filled balloons I bought him for his birthday. Yes, this was as absolutely adorable – and annoying – as it sounds.
As we went around the house, me doing my housework, him dragging his balloons, it got me thinking. My little boy really wanted to be around me, but he wasn’t sure he could give the balloons up. How often do I go before God, wanting to be in His presence, but insisting on clinging to my own baggage? His presence it what is going to comfort me, not whatever things I bring along. Sometimes I think I do this because I’m not sure I want Him to see me – maybe I can distract him with my surroundings. How silly is that? Today’s verse in Matthew reminds us that our only goal in going before God is to go honestly. He just wants us. Leaving all the rest behind.