“’For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me’” (Jeremiah 29:11—13).
One afternoon I sat in a park I could hear the leaves blown by the wind on the sidewalk, a zip line screeching, an elderly couple with interlocking arms who walked dragging their feet, the chains of swings slowly moving and, best of all, a little boy talking with his dad.
«One, two, three, » his dad said, and carefully pushed him while the boy squealed with delight as if taking part in a great adventure.
«Let me do it, now I can do it alone,» the boy told him the following time, with an independence that made me laugh because of his young age and height. He jumped in the air above the sand, until he reached the wooden wall that brought the zip line to a stop.
I imagined a possible interview with that father, to know what he thought of that incident, what plans he had for his son, what his favorite moment of the day with him was, etc. I saw he was happy about his son’s courage.
The boy went up the colorful steps, climbed the castle and went down the zip line or the slide time and again. His dad simply watched him and kept him company.
How many dreams are born in places like parks! By playing, children discover the things they like or have an interest in and the things they would like to do when they grow up.
How many parents dream of their children’s future when they see them showing greater courage each time; when they see them come back to them when they’re hurt; when seeing their confidence, innocence, and joy!
Our Father also gives us that freedom; but, meanwhile, he watches us silently moving ahead, He keeps us company with His presence and has dreams and plans for our lives, much better ones than we can imagine.
Today we can seek Him to let Him know we’re interested in having Him fulfill those dreams in our lives.
Maybe you also imagine Him saying, ”One, two, three…» Just make sure that when you “fly off” you have the certainty of being in His hands.
