Our youngest daughter Amy (who just had her first baby) is one who has provided me with many stories; some ‘nurturing’ to reflect on and some not so much. This one has always been ‘nurturing’. Over the years, when down or especially tattered by life’s challenges, I recall this story. Hey, maybe that is why God’s community has always been partly run on the fuel of storytelling. By the way; our dear Erin has also provided many cool stories, but she’s not so keen on being reminded.
Amy was about three. We (just she and I) pulled up in our driveway while she was already crawling out of her car seat. She was known as the Houdini of car seats. She then crawled over to my front side and asked me; ‘daddy, pick me up like Jethro picks up women.’ First, I had to get my composure enough to figure out who Jethro was-it was Jethro Bodine on the Beverly Hillbillies. We watched that show together often-it was age appropriate for my emotional age.
She said, as she hopped happily in my arms-with fearless abandonment (I may have embellished that a bit). ‘Daddy-I love when you pick me up in your strong (I did not embellish that part) arms and hold me close to your heart.’
We took a few more steps, and out came the next amazing proclamation. ‘Daddy, know what?’ ‘I think you are so handsome.’ What an astute observation as she stroked my beard looking straight into my beautiful blue eyes. I was beyond melted! Stick with me. Especially those of you who are rolling in the floor laughing at me knowing full well I am embellishing the ‘…’ out of this story.
We took several more steps and she made the third ‘very theological’ statement. ’Daddy, I think I could tell you just about anything.’ This wasn’t as surprising. We really worked at encouraging the girls to come to us (Janis and me) with anything; even painful experiences.
Finally, we arrived at the front entrance, and as we stepped through the threshold, out came the most outlandish of all her sidewalk proclamations. ‘Daddy, know what else?’ ‘I think I can pick my nose around you!’ What would you say? Don’t wax ‘religious’ on me. Go with this and be nurtured by Papa, which is always His intent in the storied experiences of our lives.
Almost before I could respond to her, Papa shouted in my heart His take to this whole experience. Thank goodness, I proudly thought; at least someone will be ‘religious’ (you know-in a sanctimonious way) and straighten this whole matter out. Okay Papa, how do I fix this young ladies perspective? ‘You don’t,’ back He came-‘I am fixing your perspective.’
First, I love to hold you in my strong arms, close to my heart (He did that to me this week). Usually you aren’t paying attention. Second, you are absolutely (in all states/conditions) beautiful to me-even when you argue this fact and my sentiments. Of course, you do it in a nice ‘religious’ way. Son, you really tend to ‘wax religious’ when I get close. Lighten up and live in the endless space of my grace.
Third, you can also tell me anything. By the way; did you know, I always knew before you did it or thought to talk to me about it? I am never surprised, shocked, shaming, scolding or rejecting. It might help your relationships to stop being surprised, shocked, shaming, scolding and/or rejecting and stop thinking you are being my little ‘spiritual policeman.’ I actually love for you to tell me everything! Well, I am not so keen about your telling me what others do wrong or about other people’s faults.
You want to know the coolest part of ‘Amy’ theology? I am never rattled by your nose picking. I created that stuff inside your nose. You do know that? (Selah) If you can be that real with me, it will take you miles down the road to fullness of joy and growth. Most of my kids spend too much of their mental energy on hiding strategies. I am not into hide and seek games. By the way, when you hide from me, which side of the tree do you get on? I am discovering that he is into open up and learn strategies. Be transparent like Amy was, celebrating in her wonderful way.
I made it through the door and hugged Amy especially long and tight! I am now endeavoring to live the rest of my life trying to listen more deeply to life stories…
In the grip of Papa’s grace, Ron Ross
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