Life is Like a Parking Lot

The other day my son (Caden) and I were going to the store. As we got out of the van I made sure he held my hand. Caden is at the age where he is beginning to understand independence (he likes to do things on his own). Me being a young father I understand this but at the same time (and I think you would agree) the parking lot is not the place for him to explore his independence. So since I am somewhat of an intelligent father I made sure he held my hand as we walked from the van into the store.

As we walked I began to notice all the dangers that a parking lot would create for someone who is not quite 2 years old. It was at that moment I realized that life and my relationship with God is a lot like that parking lot. Take Caden for example, he has no idea where he is going, why he is in the parking lot in the first place, and what dangers are present. Now take me for example, I know where we are going, why we are in the parking lot, and where the danger lies and how to keep him from it. The same picture holds true with life. Life is the parking lot, I am Caden, and God is me (ok I know that sounds weird but I think you get what I am saying). In life a lot of times I have no idea why I am here, where I am going, and where danger lies. Just like Caden needs me to guide him, I too need God to guide me. However, there is a crucial element that I am leaving out. Trust. Why does Caden gladly take my hand and does not fear? Because he trusts me. How does he have that trust with me? Because I am his father and he has a relationship with me. This in turn gives him the belief that I am going to protect him, lead him, and have his best interest in mind.

Too many times I find myself lost in the parking lot almost getting hit by cars, but why? It’s because one, I don’t truly trust God because two, I don’t have a strong relationship with Him to know that what He is doing and where He is taking me is for my own good. Jesus said that if we want to gain life we have to lose it. The apostle John said, “He must increase, I must decrease.” I pray that my heart can let go of what it thinks is life so I can truly live.