MOTHER, MAY I?

MOTHER, MAY I?

 As young children, we occasionally played a game centering around a rather genteel question: “MOTHER, MAY I?”  In hindsight, I suppose 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, 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 could be called upon to take, e.g. twirly-steps, turtle-steps, umbrella-steps, jumping jack-steps, even side-steps.

 While this game sounds somewhat simplistic, it has 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 occasionally generates a memory lapse, with the result of starting all over from square one.

 This game is not only fun for children, it’s 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 should 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 and securing the perfect WILL OF GOD.  James was advising us to proactively receive GOD’S INTENTIONAL DESIGN FOR LIFE FULFILLMENT, which is only 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!