As young children, we occasionally
played a game that centered around a rather genteel question: “MOTHER, MAY
I?” In hindsight, I suppose that this game was invented by a skillful and
creative parent who sought to teach her children two important life skills: 1)
being polite, and 2) observing boundaries.
Here’s how the game is played.
One child (regardless of gender) volunteers to serve as ‘MOTHER’ and the others
position themselves in a horizontal line, about 20 feet (6 meters) from the
game leader. The MOTHER then chooses one of her playmates and says
something like this: “Tony, you may take three giant-steps forward.”
Before doing so, the child-player MUST respond, “MOTHER, MAY I?”
The MOTHER tries to make the game
more interesting by varying both the NUMBER and KIND of steps that might be
taken, e.g. “Wesley, you may take two scissors-steps,” (or) “Doris, you may
take four baby-steps” (or) “Lois, you may take three kangaroo-steps.” Indeed,
there seems to be an unlimited variety of forward movements one might be called
upon to take, e.g. twirly-steps, turtle-steps, umbrella-steps, jumping
jack-steps, even side-steps.
While this game might sound somewhat
simplistic, it had rather intriguing possibilities. Of course, the child
who successfully reaches and touches MOTHER wins and is given the opportunity
to serve as leader in the next round. But here’s what makes the game
truly interesting. In the excitement of the moment, the playing children
sometimes forget to respond before moving by asking “MOTHER, MAY I?” This
oversight causes them to be sent all the way back to the starting point.
For example, a child could be just about in position to reach out and
touch MOTHER and win, but the thrill of that moment would occasionally generate
a memory lapse, with the result of starting all over from square one.
This game is not only fun for
children, it is loaded with spiritual significance. Because as believers
in the Kingdom of God, our success is intrinsically tied to our willingness and
consistency in ASKING (not necessarily our Mother), but THE FATHER, for purity,
purpose, permission and power. Only under the constant direction and wise
governance of THE FATHER may we successfully “live and move and have our
being.” (Acts 17:28) It’s a challenging lesson to learn for those of us who
consider ourselves ‘independent thinkers.’
Americans, please take special note of both the rewards and risks of
freedom.
Here is our practical dilemma.
In life’s various and sundry moments of excitement, we sometimes forget
or simply fail to ask, “FATHER, MAY I?” As a result, we suffer substantial
delays or reversals. Sometimes, it ‘feels’ like we are pushed way back at
the beginning to start our journey all over again. But GOD is in the
midst of it all. (Romans 8:28)
The Apostle James provides important
insight. He writes, “You HAVE NOT because you ASK NOT.” (James 4:2) James
was not referring to ASKING FOR
THINGS, as many might imagine, but he was referring to seeking the
perfect WILL OF GOD.
James was advising us to proactively receive GOD’S INTENTIONAL DESIGN FOR
LIFE FULFILLMENT, which can only be derived from seeking HIM, HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS
and HIS KINGDOM. (Psalm 27:8 – Philippians 3:10 – Matthew 6:33)
My friends, before you make your next
move, ask HIM for wisdom, direction and timing. “FATHER, MAY I?”
Winner-believers, our Father will surely make life more interesting by varying
both the NUMBER and KIND of steps we may take. And if we approach Him
with heart-sincerity, i.e. a genuine desire to apprehend and actualize His
perfect will, sooner or later (invariably and inevitably) we will be in such
close proximity that we may easily REACH out and TOUCH Him.
Sisters and
brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE
READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!
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