No Handrail

I watched across the room as the other children hurdled past him, effortlessly flopping one foot, then the next down the stairs that led to a basement promising much exploration and adventure. Even from my distant stance, I recognized from his profile, the disheartening expression of fear and uncertainty on his face. Stairs weren't normally a problem.  He so desperately wanted to take that next step, the one that took him off the platform of the safe floor and on to certain unknown adventure, but there was a problem-the exposed beams of an unfinished wall and no handrail. 

Before I even knew I was moving, I was with him. He turned to come back, resigned to miss the adventure, and as he did, his gaze met my outstretched hand; his protector, waiting patiently for him to reach out and accept my guidance. Instantly his face softened. The certain terror and uncertainty that had momentarily encompassed his face, was replaced with a smile, a captivating tenderness and a new found confidence. He placed his hand in mine, I smiled back. "I will go with you," I said. 

Effortlessly, clinging to the one he knew was, without fail, a safe haven, he bounded downward step by step. He reached the bottom, smiled at me and off he went to join the others. 

He trudged up and down those stairs many times after that, without fear or hesitation. 

As I watched his expression change and escorted him down those stairs, I couldn't help but be reminded of how often God has done the same for me.  

Maybe I've never been afraid to walk down stairs, but I've certainly faced situations that were uncertain to me. I've been able to taste the goodness that awaited me at the bottom of a flight of scary steps, but have been so paralyzed by fear, uncertainty and lack of confidence that I've practically crumbled at times. Without fail, when I turn back to my Protector, to the One who is a safe haven for me, I find my strength and certainty all over again. He shows me the way, with his Hand of guidance ever outstretched, just waiting on me to put my faith in Him, grab on and enjoy the ride. 

I've lost my way more often than I like to admit. I've wandered far from my Father at times. I've looked for acceptance and happiness in many places that lead to misery and regret, that cause me to fear and experience uncertainty. I've been scared to take that step of faith that would lead to blessings unimaginable. Yet, always He is waiting on me to turn back to Him, to look for His hand and to let Him guide me. There I find peace, complete confidence and certainty.  There I find my way. 

"Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” 

Isaiah 30:21

"With a mighty hand and outstretched arm, His love endures forever." Psalm 136:12