“Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” (Matthew 6:26, NKJV)

“The early bird gets the worm,” we say; but God provides for all the birds. And Jesus lauded them not for getting up early, but for receiving what they need when they need it; not for sowing, reaping, and gathering into barns, but for partaking in the provision of their Creator. “Look at the lilies,” He said, “they neither toil nor spin; yet even King Solomon in all his glory was not dressed like one of these.” (see Matthew 6:28, 29)

“For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles… you have come to need milk and not solid food.” (Hebrews 5:12, NKJV)

Feeling offended by this assessment from the writer of Hebrews, I have rushed to grow up, skipping the part where I am dependent on my Father; the part where I trust because trust is all I know and all I have. I am a toddler convinced that I’m 18. I’ve made it out of the house, onto the street with my bag of snacks, and I’m very proud of myself. When a car approaches, I don’t even know to feel afraid until it has nearly killed me—when I feel the rumble of the engine in my chest, hear the screeching tires, feel the heat.

“How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were not willing!” (Luke 13:34b, NKJV)

Perhaps this is when I consider embracing my status as toddler in my Father’s house. Streets can come later. Now is the season of still-warm folded laundry; a booster seat pulled up to a laden table; being carried when I get tired; handed a sippy-cup when I am thirsty. This is a time to relish the dependance that goes hand in hand with abundant provision.

“‘I will be a Father to you, and you shall be my sons and daughters,’ says the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6:18, NKJV)