Oh the adoration a child has for his beloved “Monkey.” My two-year-old son has a stuffed monkey who towers over him. My grandmother gave it to him as a gift several months ago. For the longest, it sat nestled in the playroom holding a basket of books. That poor monkey served more as decoration than a friend.
With Griffin’s current love for people and friendship, the monkey has become a necessity in our home and an integral part of our day. He eats meals with us, sits in the bathroom to cheer on our nightly baths, rides in the car buckled him. “Monkey” is Griffin’s comfort after we’ve scooped him up from a skinned knee, and our comic relief when we find Griffin wiping the monkey’s “dirty booty.” Wherever Griffin goes, you can bet Monkey is not far behind.
I’m pretty sure we will use “Monkey” for future embarrassment when he embarks on date nights as a teenager! 😉
It doesn’t matter to him that Monkey is heavy, furry, and doesn’t talk back. He loves him with intensity anyway. We don’t always understand the strong devotion Griffin exudes for “Monkey.” I mean, he’s sweet and makes a good pillow, but I could do without a bulky, stuffed animal in our bed on Saturday mornings.
“Monkey” may sometimes feel like a burden to my husband and I, but not to Griffin. He willingly and sincerely wants Monkey to be apart of every aspect of his life, no matter how much effort comes with bringing him along.
Today I joyfully watched Griffin’s morning routine with “Monkey,” thankful to see such excitement and joy in his eyes. My stomach caught a knot as I thought about whether we do/will cultivate such an intense love for Jesus, as well: not just for Griffin’s relationship with Christ, but for ourselves, also.
Do we love Jesus enough to share our every moment with Him? Do we search for Him in the midst of our day, longing for his companionship? Do we want to fall asleep with Jesus and wake to Him every morning? Do we radiate joy, love, and desire for Jesus’ presence in our lives… no matter the effort required? Do/will we lead by example to teach our children of the same intense relationship?
I can truthfully say I don’t always crave and intiate His occupancy in my day. I should, but I don’t. It’s not from a malicious place–just absent-minded neglect. I do, however, make time to write, run, cook, and clean. It’s football season; even fight songs passionately frequent my thoughts as we await game days, for heaven’s sake. I also constantly think of my family and long to strengthen and embrace my relationships with them.
So, why do I let my relationship with Christ lose intensity, importance, and effort? It’s not because I don’t love Jesus and want the same devotion my son shares for “Monkey.” I think I just take God’s accessibility for granted.
He’s already there: in our family meals, in moments of strife, in my greatest successes, and biggest opportunities for growth. God is present for every step, every breath, and sweet, sweet moment of my life.
The intense love I give and receive with Him depends on my perspective of Christ. If I look at my relationship with Jesus as a burden or dreadful necessity, I doubt I’ll deliberately seek Him throughout my day. Should I take a second glance to see Jesus as a best friend, lover, Father, companion, and confidante… I guarantee my adoration will grow infinitely, strengthening with every moment I enjoy His profound presence and endearing grace.
I pray for passion with Christ, not just convenience. I want to be engulfed in His thoughts, love, and glory for every available opportunity, each and everyday. I want a friendship and love story for the books… One my friends and family can “embarrass” me with in later years. I want people to feel absolute joy as our intimacy unfolds (not just in big moments, but in the seemingly insignificant ones, too.)
And it starts with opening our hearts and asking God to give us a deep need for Him throughout our lives, even in the most thought-draining parts of our day. We should be so intune to the void (which can only be filled by Jesus), we have no choice but to constantly pursue His guidance and love. We all should be so desperately enthralled in His goodness, we want nothing more than to reflect and share it with others.
So, let’s all pursue a friend like Monkey… And let it be Jesus.
house of stain 