And the Four-Year-Old does it again...

She's really on a roll.  Or maybe it was the Holy Spirit.  Either way, my lovely child has given me something to ponder.  This morning was one of those rare, relaxed, "home days" (only filled with a hubby who had to vacate the bedroom a couple hours early to allow our friend to take a shower and prepare for her job interview, the presence of another friend who would take this first friend to the airport after the interview, the impending arrival of my mother-in-law to whisk away said child for Easter Breakfast preparations and a phone that won't stop ringing).  

Like a said, a rare, *relaxed* home day.  I was happily padding about in my pjs and robe, feeding people, cleaning up the kitchen, floating around from pile to pile to make order out of chaos, and checking in on the girls who were, shockingly, either sharing or staying out of each others' way.  Praise God for his daily mercies.  

Sitting in the front room I graciously received my daughter's birthday party invitation (b'day still over 6 months away).  It was a picture of her, with a "gummy head" chasing her (but she was too fast and got away, "so don't worry mommy").  [Do I talk about name calling again now, or enjoy the picture...]  About five minutes later she brought in a picture for her sister - two beautiful faces with geometric hair. Gorgeous.  

Here's the problem.  

She wants to let her sister hold the picture.  She wants her to keep it forever.  BUT, she knows her sister is not as gentle as she is.  So she gives it to her and explains "No crumpling."  Then she takes it back. Then she holds it up for her to see.  Very close and far away.  Then she asks, "Do you understand?"  My youngest says "Yes."  Syd gives her the page.  Wait!  Yes to crumpling or yes to no crumpling?  The page is back in Sydney's hand before Savannah has hardly touched it and I'm ready for the certain paper cut to start bleeding... no blood.  Bonus. This game goes on for some time, and, surprisingly, my 18 month old eventually has the page for about 30 seconds, during which she very gently and carefully holds it straight, exclaiming over it's wonders in beautiful toddler-speak.  

What's the point?  I watched this exchange and wondered how often I do that with God.  Do I make pretty pictures and invite him only to my "parties"?  Do I try to give him something and then take it back, in a very complicated dance of control (or the illusion of it)?  If I know he is going to destroy something, shouldn't that be an indication that it's not good for me and instead of holding on like a security blanket I ought to throw it out like it were on fire?  And lastly, do I ever trust God to grasp me with his careful touch and beautiful words, much the way Savannah surprised me by her "no crumpling" after all?