Nicolas' Walker

Nicolas' Walker
By Angelo Natalie
January 15, 2004

At the time of this writing, my grandson, Nicolas Angelo Natalie, is nine months old. When his mom Kristin dropped him off at our home this morning she also left his ìfavoriteî baby walker (one of three). Nicolange, as I call him secretly (though I guess I just blew that) crawled up to the walker, pulled himself up and va-voom ñ off he went! He was so proud of himself with his big grin, two little teeth and a drooling chin. Instinctively, I followed behind to help him steer and act as the designated baby-catcher. As can be expected of a nine month old, he pushes that thing right into walls. He doesnít have the navigation skills down yet but he sure can make that thing move.

I imagine that God sees me the way I see Nicolas: in need of direction and somebody to be there when I fall. God leads and empowers but he doesn't force me to move. Whether I am paralyzed by anxiety or insecurity, sometimes I just sit there and look at my walker. If I put my hands to the task, I might hit a brick wall. I might fail. I might fall and look like an idiot. But my Father (who is grand) says, "Trust Me from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for My voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; I am the one who will keep you on track." (cf. The Message, Proverbs 3:5,6)

Move. Trust. Exalt. OK. Here I go.