Only One Way

"Here, let me help you"

Of course that's not what I mean, and I make a grab for the shirt to slip it over his head. What I mean is, "I don't have enough time to wait for you to learn, so just let me do it for you."

He yanks it away and tries again.

Head in the middle, one arm on each side; plain and simple... really only one way it works.

Still he tries, head stuck, trying to push through the long skinny opening. So obvious to my eyes, my experience; still he pushes, stretching the opening.

I put off the clock and wait for his wail for help, and it comes.

"Is that not working"... feigned innocence.... "Do you want to try something different?"

Again, I show him the head sized hole. A little more struggle and he learns success.




I remember when my own father's eyes meet mine,

and I knew he knew.

He could have stopped it all right there. If he would have commanded, I would have obeyed...but he knew I already knew; and so he let me choose.

I struggled, sure there must be another way, until I was completely stuck; again, he lovingly showed me the right way...and I learned.

Know then that ev'ry soul is free,
To choose his life and what he'll be;
For this eternal truth is given,
That God will force no man to heaven.

He'll call, persuade direct him right;,
Bless him with wisdom, love, and light;
In nameless ways be good and kind;
But never force the human mind.

~"Know This, That Every Soul is Free"

And so I wait.