looking up.

Just about a month ago, our lil J learned to roll over.  He would roll from his back to his belly, but since he didn't like being on his tummy, he would cry frantically and often do a face-plant into the floor in defeat (a sight that was simultaneously really sad and kind of amusing). A couple weeks later, though, he started becoming interested in trying to roll onto his back.  This involved lots of kicking and back-arching and wiggling and squirming.

As I observed him, it became clear to me that the first thing that had to move was his head.  He need to lead with his (ahem*90thpercentile*) head so that the rest of the body would follow.  Yet this involved falling backwards, which is a scary concept for anyone, let alone a 4 month old.

When he finally did roll over, I saw that it wasn't because of his strength or sheer will.  It was because of his position.  In order to complete a successful belly-to-back roll, J needed only to look up.  When he looked up, his head leaned back, his body naturally began to roll to the side and the roll was quick and effortless.  But when he struggled, kicked, and cried, he only got frustrated and tired.  *face plant*

How true is this of the struggles that we face every day?  When we try to accomplish them by our own strength or sheer will, we often end up exhausted, weary and with our face in the dirt.

Yet when we look up...


our challenges become effortless,

our strength is renewed,

and the things that once burdened us can even bring us joy.

All because of a Father who loves to see our face :)

Isaiah 40:28-31 -  Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.  He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.  Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.