Dad, will you show me again?

I’m sure we’ve all experienced those memories of long ago that suddenly, for no apparent reason, pops into our mind. It happened to me this week. I was about six when one day my Dad tells me he’s going to show me how to tie my own shoes. I remember watching his huge hands and big fingers deftly tie the bow on my shoes. He did it again slowly, explaining each detail to me. I tried but couldn’t remember all the steps. I got the first loop and the second loop but forgot where to put them. Patiently and smiling my Dad showed me again. When I succeeded he gave me great praise for my accomplishment.

The next time I put my shoes on my mind went blank. I made the first loop and couldn’t remember what to do next. I remember going to my Dad and saying, “Dad, will you show me again?” He did and once more I tied my own shoes. He was so kind in repeating the instructions and just as full of praise on my second time achievement. This recollection has served to remind me, my memory of my earthly father is but a reflection of the love and patience of my Heavenly Father.

Many times in my walk with God I have believed I mastered a particular something in my life, but at times, there I am again saying to my Heavenly Father, “will you show me again?” We all need showing again throughout our lives. We think we have mastered controlling our anger, but over something insignificant, we have let the temper flare again. We know we have our ego under wraps, but to our own surprise, there we are hinting at our own accomplishments in order for others to praise us. We feel certain that jealousy could never be in our cupboard, but in astonishment, we feel the bitterness of wondering why someone else has something we want but don’t have. We have no doubt that we trust our Heavenly Father in all His ways, only to have to admit we are fearful and questioning at what He has allowed in our lives.

When we look in the mirror, facing our own weakness, we know we must come before our Heavenly Father with that humble attitude that says, “I’m sorry Lord, will you show me again?” What does He do in response to that attitude? He speaks comfort and direction. He utters the beautiful truth of Isaiah 41:10, Don’t be afraid for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with My victorious right hand.

How blessed we are to have a Heavenly Father who never grows weary when we ask Him to show us again.