I’m convinced, my neighbors must think I’m crazy. I’ve lost count of the number of times they’ve heard me raise my voice at my children. Last night, I went from calm to panic in less than a second, but I had a very good reason.
My two-year-old daughter is a fierce spirit who doesn’t listen well these days. “No” is her favorite word when she tells us what she doesn’t want, but somehow, it doesn’t register when we say it.
Ten seconds—no kidding—after I explained in detail not to cross the line of our driveway into the busy street, she ran full force into the road as a car was coming head-on. I shrilly screamed, “STOP!” so loud that every neighbor within a few blocks was sure to hear it. For the first time, I saw her realize that her decision was serious, and for the first time, my feisty 2-year-old stopped on a dime.
After she had time to think about what had happened, she looked at me with her tender blue eyes, gave me a big kiss and hug, and promised never to do it again. Yet, as a parent, I know she doesn’t understand the actual severity of what could have happened. My heart and gut ache for what might have been.
It made me think about how often I’ve been told no, given clear warnings of where not to cross the line for my safety, and decided to proceed without fully knowing the dangers that lie ahead.
It also made me think about how many times God has saved me without me even knowing the full extent of what could have been. Making decisions out of pure pleasure and what I want, feeling the consequences of it, but knowing it could have been so much worse. A testament to His love, protection, and grace. His grace not only saved us from an eternity without Him but continually saves us from our poor decisions and life choices.
What my daughter doesn’t understand about the word “no” is that it is not to keep her from fun but to keep her from harm. And honestly, I kind of get it. I am in a season when I am a little angry and fed up with being told no. I’ve been tempted to return to some of my old ways because it seems more fun than being obedient.
But I must remind myself that my good Father knows something I don’t and that He’s already given me freedom from the bad that once controlled me, so why would I return?
If you’re sick of hearing no or waiting in the mundane and blah of life, know that God may be preventing you from harm and danger. He sees the whole picture, and rather than question and run headfirst into oncoming traffic, we must trust that He knows better than us.
Like a loving parent, He will guide us and show us the way we should go because He loves us deeply. One day, we may see all that He’s protected us from, and I think it will blow our minds.
So, my dear friend, remember that you are deeply loved. Whatever no you’re facing right now, it could be your loving Father protecting and maturing you. Trust in His plan, and know He is always with you.
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” (Psalm 32:8 NIV)
Originally published on the author’s Instagram
by Jordan Harrell 
by Jennifer Toscano 
