Reaching

I think Jackson secretly wants to fly.

Last weekend, we received several helium balloons, all tied to a big clip. Jackson thought the best use of the clip was to fasten it on the back on his shirt. The balloons accompanied Jackson for almost two days, even while he slept.

Jackson fell asleep with the balloon bunch attached to his shirt.

Jackson eventually determined that a long piece of yarn should be tied to the nice Mylar balloon, so it could be his kite and he could fly it around the house (we had just watched Mary Poppins).

As he ran around living room, I went to take care of some housework. Then, I heard a loud thud.

I came out to find Jackson had moved his small trampoline and was trying to jump up in the air to grab his balloon, which was drifting toward the top of our cathedral ceiling.

Jackson uses the trampoline to try to reach his balloon.

Rather than ask for help, he thought he would solve the problem on his own. He just overestimated his vertical jump.

What are you reaching for today? Is it patience or understanding, wisdom or courage? Are you desperate for answers or healing? Are you striving for a better marriage or restoration of a friendship? Maybe today you are just trying to hold your busy, crazy life together.

It could be that you feel just like Jackson. You are trying everything you can think of to reach that goal or end, but it is just out of your grasp. You are doing everything in your own strength to jump on the trampoline to grab the string of the balloon and are coming up short.

As I watched Jackson jump up again and again trying to reach his balloon, I wondered if I often look like that to God. I try and fail, try and fail, when my Heavenly Father stands beside me with the means to change the circumstances if I would just ask. But instead, I keep reaching.

Jackson finally realized I could retrieve the balloon for him and asked me for help.

Whatever struggle you have today, whether small or monumental, ask God to be almighty and gracious. Confess your need to Him.