When my second son, Garrett, was about two and a half, he loved to be the little explorer.
What I couldn’t find, he’d find.
Garrett had an almost uncanny and precocious ability to figure out where things were, be it around town, at Disney World, or at a never-been-there campground.
He’d lead the way with his sunny smile and his confident, “I’ll show ya.”
Nine times out of ten, the little guy was right.
It’s cute when a toddler explains the world to adults. (And astounding when he’s right.)
But I tend to get annoyed when someone I don’t know tries to supply me with instructions. He or she may be right, but they haven’t earned my trust yet.
A couple of years ago, I helped a friend move. One of the other helpers was a guy with an obvious chip on his shoulder. Whatever items I decided to place in a box, he felt it necessary to tell me how to pack the box, tape the box, label the box, stack the box. He was no more a professional packer than I was. Finally I told him in a very sweet tone that I’d be happy to finish the job, and perhaps he could tend to the other side of the room. Honestly, I said it very politely.
The guy muttered something about how women get their dander up and they’re so emotional. I kept my mouth shut, but I wanted very much to tell him that anyone, male or female, would get annoyed when a complete stranger intrudes on one’s assigned job and takes it upon himself to become the supervisor.
I guess the problem was in the lack of relationship. Why should I trust this stranger’s directions when I don’t know if he is trustworthy? I haven’t had time to check him out.
(My trustworthy super-guys: Bruce, Garrett and Roen)
Who do you know who’s trustworthy? It’s not so hard to accept directions from them, right?
Jesus doesn’t wear a chip on His shoulder. He’s completely trustworthy. When He says, “I’ll show ya,” it’s for our good, and for our protection. Not to satisfy His bruised ego.
And He’s always right. Amazing!
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.” (John 14:1 NIV Bible)