Riding Piggy Back

I can remember it like yesterday. Everything was right in my world. It was a beautiful spring day in Carthage, Texas. I lived in a cozy log house, built by my Dad, with my Mom and big sister, and my grandparents lived in the lot next door.  It was the kind of day where everything was perfect.

            My parents worked outside in the yard while my sister and I played barefoot all afternoon.  I clearly remember that afternoon us walking over to my grandparent’s house and me being barefoot and needing a piggy back ride.  I remember my Dad scooping me up with ease, while I wrapped my arms around his neck and my legs around his back while he carried me through the wooded path to my grandparents.  I remember how safe and secure I felt. I remember the complete trust and security I felt. I remember how fun it was to ride up high and catch a glimpse of my surroundings from a higher perspective.  I remember looking down at his feet and with each step hearing the crushing of leaves and sticks underneath his feet. I even remember thinking I like the way that sounds…I want to do this with my kids someday.  The sun was shining through the leaves and I had no fear.  I trusted my Dad’s strong arms and his love for me. I had no worries, no stress, no burdens, just the complete joy of being a child wrapped in the safe arms of her Father. 

            God brought this memory to my mind a few days ago and I can’t seem to let it go.  This picture, this memory, is a reflection of what I want my relationship with God to look like. A simple piggy back ride turns into an act of surrender; letting go of walking my way and letting God carry me His way.

   I believe when God calls me to trust and surrender my all to Him, it sometimes is as simple as letting go and allowing Him to scoop me up, trusting Him to carry me through this life. To give me a higher eternal perspective, to show me the sunlight of blessings shining through the trees, to wrap his arms around me and provide protection, love, and security.  He truly wants to carry me.  He doesn’t want pieces of me-He wants all of me.  He want me to trust Him completely—not worry over the future, but rest in His strength, goodness, love, and plan.  Trusting He will crush the enemy beneath me, and lead me to where He wants us to go.

            Initially it sounds great. Yes! Of course I want to ride piggy back Lord! But am I truly willing to let go of doing things my way and let him have complete control?  I pray that I will. I pray that I accept the invitation to ride piggy back daily.

            Psalm 18:1-3“I Love You, O Lord, my strength.” The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.”

19 “But the Lord was my stay. He brought me forth also into a broad place; He rescued me, because He delighted in me.””

35-36 “You have also given me the shield of Your salvation, and your right hand upholds me; and your gentleness makes me great. You enlarge my steps under me, and my feet have not slipped.”

Psalm 19: 7-11 “The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.  The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.  The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether.  They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.  Moreover, by them Your servant is warned; In keeping them there is great reward.”

*Written on February 3, 2015