CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON -- The Moral of the Story

“We can put our minds at ease because God’s mind is on us.”

--Unknown

Last week I mentioned that I had the pleasure of skiing a few weeks

ago. Besides relishing the beauty of God’s creation, I also really

enjoyed watching children ski. They were so well padded and protected

that they practically bounced right back up whenever they fell.

I also loved hearing their comments in the lift lines. One of my

favorites was by a little boy wearing a big helmet. He had all the right

gear, but he seemed to have fears about skiing.

“Daddy, what happens if I fall down backward?” he asked his father.

“Don’t worry son, I’ll be right here with you, and I’ll help you.”

“But what if I fall forward?” he then asked.

“You’ll still be fine, because I’ll still be with you,” the man

answered patiently.

The boy picked up the pole he’d dropped and readied himself for the

approaching chair.

“Yeah, but what if I fall sideways?” he asked with a bit of a lisp.

I chuckled at the question as the father gently helped the little guy

onto the chair. I couldn’t hear his answer, but I’m sure it was

reassuring. I was on the chair behind them, and enjoyed watching the boy

point in different directions while the father nodded. The father had his

big arm around his little son.

After getting off my chair, I stood next to the cute twosome while

adjusting my goggles. The boy was beaming. He’d apparently successfully

gotten off the chair without falling, and was pleased with himself.

“See, I told you that you could handle it,” the father said. “You

don’t have to be scared son. I’m right here with you.”

“I wasn’t really scared, Dad. I was just teasing,” the little boy said

confidently, and away they went.

There have been many times in my life when I’ve feared difficult

situations. When I look back at them, I see that God always provided just

what I needed, just when I neededit.

Sometimes it’s been a physical need. Once, in high school, I rode a

horse in the desert and somehow managed to get separated from my group. I

also somehow managed to get thrown from the horse. After standing and

dusting myself off, I looked around and saw nothing but cactus.

Fortunately I saw where the horse headed, so I knew which direction to

go. About 10 minutes later, a rider appeared with my horse.

“Did you happen to lose anything, Miss?” he said with a smile.

God has faithfully provided for me spiritually and emotionally as

well.

Once I headed to a meeting I knew would be difficult. I was nervous

and prayed for God’s help. I sensed Him say, “I’ll be right there with

you, Cindy.”

I almost visualized Him sitting next to me with His arm around me. The

situation went far better than I imagined possible.

I’m thankful I have a Heavenly Father who is right there with me,

whether I fall forward, backward or even sideways.

And you can quote me on that.

* CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON is a Newport Beach resident who speaks

frequently to parenting groups. She may be reached via e-mail at o7

cindy@onthegrow.comf7 or through the mail at P.O. Box 6140-No. 505,

Newport Beach, CA 92658.