Monday, February 18, 2013

Sign Language Theology


Creamy banana mash glistens from his dimpled cheeks and soft forehead, as he catches my eye.

Zealously signing "More, more," he pumps plump two-year-old hands together, while clenching a half-eaten banana.

In delight, I kiss the top of my new nephew's blond head and happily hand him bits of red pear. My scuffed cherry table-top shines with sticky fruit residue, and I am charmed by big eyes and dimpled fists signing, "More more."

In a red highchair with fruit, my nephew's actions are innocent and cute, but I'm struck today by how much that looks like me.

In a landscape strewn with sweet gifts of life, family, marriage and friends, I am struck by how often I sign "More, more" to my Abba Daddy. Clutching what he's given me in one hand, I sometimes forget and think I need more.

"Don't be deceived, my brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of Heavenly Lights who does not change like shifting shadows."

I'm slow to learn some days, clutching gifts in one hand and signing "more." I'm so thankful for a patient Father of Heavenly Lights, who loves me, delights in me, and trains me.

What is he teaching you this week?

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Linking with Ann at A Holy Experience

10 comments:

Laurie Collett said...

So true, Jennifer -- we keep asking for more while we're still clutching tightly to what's in our hands. Our pastor often says that He will give more through us than He will to us. Thanks for the beautiful post and for your comment on Saved by Grace! God bless,
Laurie

LOLITA said...

And I am getting a very sweet picture of myself greedily lifting my hand up, palms up, signing for "more."

What is real sweet is Him handing me more yet only up to what is for my good.

I love to see His great delight in me. 'Oh my Father of heavenly light, giver of every good and perfect gift!'

Lovely as always, Jen.

Mary Reed said...

Jen, I too am thankful for a loving and patient God. This is such a beautiful illustration of my never-ending-want and my need for contentment. I'm grateful that He continues to teach me...
Thanks for your comment at 'Woman to Woman'!
Blessings as you tremble today!
Mary

Unknown said...

Children teach us so much don't they? Thanks for this, beautiful and insightful. I could see it all.

Cheryl Barker said...

Jennifer, God just continues to teach me to trust Him no matter what and to obey and serve Him from a heart of love and not performance. And by the way, I'm so thankful for his patience, too!

Jennifer Dougan said...

Laurie,

Your line [God] "will give more through us than to us" makes me pause and ponder this morning. Thanks.

Jennifer
www.jenniferdougan.com

Jennifer Dougan said...

Lolita,

So nice to have you here with me, learning this anew.

Jennifer
www.jenniferdougan.com

Jennifer Dougan said...

Mary,

Thanks for stopping by today. Have a wonderful week.

Jennifer
www.jenniferdougan.com

Jennifer Dougan said...

Joann,

So glad you stopped by here this week. Sorry for my reply in getting back to you.

Ahh, our kids! :)

Jennifer
www.jenniferdougan.com

Jennifer Dougan said...

Cheryl,

Thanks for sharing what God is whispering gently to your ear these days too.

Jennifer
www.jenniferdougan.com