Dependence

With Haden recently turning seven I have noticed that he is becoming less and less dependent on me. I have to admit this is rather bittersweet. While I am proud that he can do things for himself now, it is a little sad to see him so independent. He begs to spend time with friends and sees playing with mom as only a last resort. However, I still get glimpses of times that he needs me or wants to be with me, and those are the sweetest times. Yesterday Haden was walking with me during my cool down laps. He just walked along beside me and chatted away about various important things in his world, such as which Avenger is truly the greatest. As we walked along every now and then he would reach up and take my hand. He would hold it for just a few seconds, and then realize what he was doing and that someone could see him not being "cool", and he would let go. It was in those times when he grabbed my hand that my heart soared. It filled my heart to have Haden be so real with me. He was just chatting with me and holding my hand. He wasn't asking me for anything or holding my hand out of obligation. This mother's heart was touched.
It made me wonder how God, our father, must feel when we stop long enough to grab His hand and chat with Him. Not asking Him for anything or leaning on Him because there is no other option left, but truly just having a real relationship with Him. How many times are we so independent and afraid that others may look down upon us for depending on God. This has inspired me to be ever mindful of reaching up and grabbing God's hand throughout my day and just chat with Him. I would say that I will grab it and never let go, but I know I am human and will let go. My prayer is that I take time everyday to spend real time with God... just holding hands and chatting.

Psalms 65:5-8a
"I depend on God alone; I put my hope in Him. He alone protects and saves me; He is my defender, and I shall never be defeated. My salvation and honor depend on God; He is my strong protector; He is my shelter."