Itching for Independence

My son’s first cold was a nightmare! He was sick for weeks and I could hear his stuffy breathing from across the room and he would cough and sneeze every few minutes. I felt terrible for him and wanted nothing more than to control his environment and who was around him to keep him from becoming ill ever again. Meanwhile, he was laughing, smiling, and always excited to meet new people. I have to stop myself from being too controlling because I know that he has a growing need for independence and new discoveries just as I do. I also know that this drive to experience life will mean that he will sometimes be hurt or ill and that is part of living.

In Matthew 10, Jesus sends his disciples out into the world “like sheep among wolves. Therefore,” Jesus says, “be as shrewd as serpents and as harmless as doves.” As I think about the day that my parents sent me out into the world and off to college, I realize how hard it must have been for them to see me go. They gave me one last warning before sending me on my way, “Be safe! We love you!” On the other hand, I could not wait to go! I was itching to get out into the world and experience everything good, bad, or otherwise.

As I read Matthew 10, I began to wonder if I am itching for independence in my life with Jesus. Am I eager to go out on my own and practice what the Lord has taught me? Am I excited to experience all of the things Jesus has talked about: great reward for the righteous but persecution for doing what is right?  Or am I trying to remain a child in my faith and never stray far from home? I do not want to become the 40 year old who lives in his parent’s basement when it comes to my life with Christ.

Lord, please help me to grow in my life with You. Prepare me for independence and send me out into the world for what You have prepared me to do. Help me to be shrewd and harmless keeping the right perspective in life. Thank You for making me for Your purpose and taking the time to prepare me for it! Amen.