MOTHER, MAY I?
As young children, we occasionally played a game
centered around a rather generic question: “Mother, may I?” In hindsight,
I suppose this game was invented by a 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, take two scissors-steps,” (or) “Doris, take four baby-steps”
(or) “Lois, 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 lead 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 some
might imagine, but he was referring to seeking and embracing the perfect will
of God. James was advising us to proactively receive God’s intended
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?” Surely, winner-believers,
our Father will make life more intriguing 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 readily
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!
