There I was, leaning over the bassinet with a big smile on my face, speaking in frequencies so high only dogs could hear them, animated in a way sure to be appealing to a 7-week-old baby girl. Admittedly, my only objective was to get a big gummy grin from that sweet little baby face. I was dramatic, persistent, and frankly, I was downright entertaining! There was just one problem. . . baby Lily’s attention was already spoken for.
Her gaze was locked onto the sunshine coming in through the window blinds. She was utterly transfixed by the soft glowing stripes on the wall – to her, they were fascinating! I thought to myself, “Though it’s lovely, how could a little splash of sunlight trump all the attention, care and love I am prepared to give her? I mean, I’m Mommy! I’m supposed to be her world!”
Still determined to have a little “mommy-baby” moment, I gently tried to turn her head toward me. . .resistance. I softly called her name, stroked her cheek, tickled her tummy. . .nothing.
Absorbing a twinge of disappointment, I wondered how many times we are transfixed by distractions of this world. How many times has God gently called our names? What have we missed because of “temporal glimmers” that capture our focus? Have we missed his encouragement, teaching, wisdom, leading, warnings? I mean, He is our heavenly father! He is supposed to be our world!
If you have a moment, reflect on the words of Marty Sampson’s song “You Are My World.” Respond to God’s voice when He calls. “Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.” (Psalm 105:4 NIV)
All I really wanted from Lily was her attention and a smile. Oh how God’s heart longs for the same from us.