To be honest, I was thrilled the child told me. There was no big drama. Perhaps I gave a few words of guidance, after all I am the momJ, but mostly I thanked them for telling me. Why? Because when my children are talking I know what they are thinking and dealing with, it is when they don’t talk that I get concerned.
Later this same child asked how trust could be built between us. This child wants some freedoms before our family’s “normal” time to give them, so that is where the question was stemming from.
I explained that the greatest trust builder is conversation. When discussion is halted it gives us as parents a sense that the child is hiding something. No promises were given for our veering from our “normal” course, just encouragement to talk, to be open with us.
The Lord reminded me of this conversation in our time together the other morning. As I was praying over our children, I remembered I am God’s child. I too have a tendency to be quiet, to sink inward when I am struggling with something or someone. The Lord too is waiting for me to talk to Him. And as I talk to Him my trust in Him grows.
Although not a perfect parallel, it is a power nudge. I must practice what I am asking of my children with my heavenly Father, He too wants to build trust….my trust in Him.