Miniature golf, with child-sized paths and gingerbread architecture, looked like fun. Two year-old Nathan happily ran ahead of his dad to the counter and soon eagerly clutched his own small club. "Oh, boy! Oh, boy!"

After a few pointers Nathan hit the ball down the carpeted lane. When the ball disappeared into one hole and came out in an unexpected place Nathan joyously jabbered on and on.

The fun lasted until the third hole. Here a tiny door to a house opened and closed continually, and the idea was to hit the golf ball at just the right time to go in. After the first few misses Nathan was frowning. "Too 'ard! Too 'ard!"

Like a flash he ran off to climb some artificial rocks, jump down the other side, toss pebbles into a pond, and be unwillingly scooped up in his dad's strong arms.

*******

Probably you've felt like it, too. For some reason you have been plopped down in the middle of the complicated game of life. You give it your best shot, a couple of times. Nothing but frustration. The whole world is just too much.

While you and I have given up having childish temper tantrums in public it's easy to sulk at home. Like little Nathan we complain, "Too 'ard. Too 'ard." We abandon the course and run off, looking for fun by our own rules.

Not long ago, as lightning crashed uncomfortably near I couldn't seem to drop off to sleep. "I wish You were here, Jesus. You calmed the storm for the disciples," I murmured sleepily. Then I realized the truth. He was here. I pictured Him beckoning to me with outstretched arms. I pictured myself as a toddler, running to sit in His lap.

And then came the best part! I've thought of the Lord sitting on His throne in Glory before, but this time the throne rocked! It was just like the soothing motion back and forth on mother's lap as she sat in the old wooden rocker.

No matter how old we are or how sophisticated we deem ourselves to be there's still that vulnerable Inner Child who needs the attention that only a loving Heavenly Father can minister. To me, it fulfills that Bible verse that says, "Casting all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you." Sometimes my biggest care is my concern for myself. So when I sit on His lap I've "taken the load off my feet," so to speak.

Sometimes the greatest need of our souls is to run to our Father for His love and comfort. He wants us to know the reality of that intimacy. It says in Zephaniah 3:17, "The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you. He will quiet you with His love. He will rejoice over you with singing."
Other times we are engaged in battle. We call out to Him, our Commander in Chief. We get our directions from Him. And then we obey, going forward in His timing, under His leadership, and in His power. In the midst of the conflict we fearlessly proclaim His praise.

The "game of life" is not just about muddling through, holding on, squeaking by. It's a glorious adventure that challenges our highest devotion, our creative minds, our intelligent effort and choices.

Our Father will see to it that we have ample opportunities to develop our spiritual muscle. He does not abandon us when we complain that the game is "too 'ard." He is with us, and He wants us to win.

Last Updated on: November 3, 2014