Kids say the darndest things

I was having breakfast this am at Starbucks with my little princess Paige. As we usually do, we talked about the joys and challenges of the world of an 11 year old and a 52 year old. I was giving sage advice about how to deal with her problem of blushing when giving a presentation in class (an 11 year old challenge but one that I have much experience with). I was quite pleased with some profound analogies, advice and sayings that I was slowly weaving into the life of my young daughter – feeling quite impressed with the father that I had turned out to be. At one point, appearing to process the latest morsel of advice she said “did you do that?” Well... no, I had to admit, I did exactly what she had done (been anxious and self conscious about the problem) but I sure wish someone wise had given these tidbits to me!

As we moved on in the conversation I asked what God was teaching her these days (a question as it turned out that should have preceded all of the above). She said that a verse had been given to her both by her teacher at the end of the year and by her friend at camp this summer and that she had been thinking about what it meant for her in her life. The verse was from Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your path straight.”

Well, her simple innocent statement and recitation of this verse was like a simultaneous light going on and gentle slap in the face from the Lord. I could just hear Him saying (with an affectionate chuckle) “you think you’re so smart with all your “understanding” in this situation and here your young daughter has demonstrated deeper understanding than you”. With a more humble demeanour I said to Paige “maybe we should have started our discussion there”.

Maybe before immediately moving to my understanding and wisdom in trying situations I need to stop, take a breath, acknowledge Him, and begin to lean into Him and His trustworthiness. Thanks to my Paige for having ears to hear from the Lord.