“He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.” Isaiah 40:11

As Evie began to explore and crawl with more passion, I found gently redirecting her into safer pastures was becoming a bit more challenging. Again, I did not want to constantly be telling her “no” when it was natural for her to want to see, touch and taste everything within reach. I love seeing her smile and coo with new found confidence, while she sits, crawls and grabs onto things to lift herself up. But not everything in her reach is safe. So because I love Evie and want her to be safe I decided it was time to create a barrier from those things which prove harmful. So I purchased a gated play-yard with a door.

Since my Lord has been faithful to answer my prayers in guiding me with Evie from the very first day, I again prayed He would give me wisdom on how to keep Evie within this safe environment. After all, it is His promise to take the little ones into His bosom and to gently guide all who care for them when we ask. (Isaiah 40:11)

God’s protective realm is His Kingdom and everyone who receives Jesus Christ as their Savior enters it immediately upon their rebirth.  Within His Kingdom there is fellowship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  The key to remaining within this protective realm is through obedience, making Jesus Christ Lord.

The Lord gave me wisdom on how to make Evie feel comfortable in her new environment, though at times she would feel frustrated and want to leave. So periodically I would go in and spend time with her reading and encouraging her to play. But the problem would occur, when I left, I also needed to be within her sight so she could trust I would always be near. (James 1)

The gates that encircle Evie are meant to protect her not to constrain her. Inside are all the things that are safe and bring her joy. There is an entrance to this area, a door, where I enter and leave, and one Evie may discover as she grows and matures.

Revelation 3:20

As I continue to pray for guidance, I know the Lord will lead me in the way that’s best for Evie, but even at nine months she has a determination to go the opposite way. But just like Jesus, our good shepherd, I will go after her and bringing her back, holding her close to my heart, and later holding her hand and encouraging her to stay in God’s love by sharing His Word each day.

Thank You, Lord, for gently leading those who have young and taking the little ones into your bosom. There they are nourished and protected growing in your love to stay.

“Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14

Recommended Resources:

Bible Hub: biblehub.com

Because I Love You by Max Lucado