one true love in a “bappie” kind of world.

(sweet Princess Mackenzie, without her “bappie”)

You know, I didn’t imagine my Monday this way when I got out of bed this morning.  But, today was the day.  Yes, it was time.  My daughter, Mackenzie is now closer to 3 years old than 2 and it has been clear to me for a few weeks that it is time to take away the pacifier, otherwise known as “the bappie.”

Now, bappie has been a part of my daughter’s existence from the very beginning.  Oh, not the exact same bappie – in fact, I believe we’ve probably gone through roughly a bappie every other month, if not more.  But, she has always had one to pop in her mouth at a moments notice.  It is her security, for sure, and her love is strong.

Apparently her will is stronger, because at the end of the first thirty minutes of wailing, on this Monday morning, I found myself questioning the wisdom of beginning this power struggle today.  Did I mention thirty minutes of crying, “Bappie, Bappie, I want my Bappie!”

But, I held her and stroked her hair and put the princess crown on her head and told her I loved her and read, and sang and watched movies and did everything I could to distract from her beloved pacifier.  I promised she could have it at bed times.   Finally the wailing died down to the occasional request and finally to a reminder, “Its okay mommy, (she was reassuring us both) I will take bappie at nap time in a little bit.”

And all was well for the time being.

The crux of the matter hit me hard while I was taking my turn wearing the princess crown, watching Toy Story 3 with my sweet girl on my lap instead of doing my house work. ( a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do, right)  The problem is I am no different than my daughter.  I have my own security blankets, things I hold on to, thinking they are going to get me through when they are not.

Here is the truth of the Gospel: There is no real love, no security, but in One person: God, my Heavenly Father.

Unfortunately I live life in a “bappie” kind of world.  Its a world that tries to offer every kind of false security – in money and finances, reputation and success, love of friends and family or power and prestige. The list is endless.  Our culture teaches the pursuit of earthly happiness through these things as a means to security.  But its a mirage. True eternal joy and peace comes from a Heavenly Father who could never give us, His children, anything less.  And this promise from Him is the only sure thing in life.

If only I believed it, I’d probably stop clinging to all of the “bappies” in my life, and hold on much tighter to Him.  Often I find myself crying to God, holding out stubbornly for something that I think I “need” for my personal security, when in reality all I really need is Him.  In spite of it all, He holds me and loves me and calls me His daughter unconditionally.

There are many verses of Scripture I could quote and even a few parables that would fit here.  In fact there are so many, I’m having trouble choosing. But, here is a word from the Lord.  He is my portion. There is hope in His salvation alone.

from Lamentations 3: 21-16

21This I recall to my mind,
Therefore I have hope.

²² Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
²³ They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
²⁴ “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
“Therefore I hope in Him!”

Well, there’s a song that keeps coming to mind, so I’ll post the words below.  I imagine I’ll be singing it all day today to remind myself that there is only One who loves me well, only One who satisfies and gives the security my heart is longing for in this “bappie” kind of world.

Satisfied

All my life I had a longing
For a drink from some clear spring,
That I hoped would quench the burning
Of the thirst I felt within.

Hallelujah! I have found Him
Whom my soul so long has craved!
Jesus satisfies my longings,
Through His blood I now am saved.

Feeding on the husks around me,
Till my strength was almost gone,
Longed my soul for something better,
Only still to hunger on.

Poor I was, and sought for riches,
Something that would satisfy,
But the dust I gathered round me
Only mocked my soul’s sad cry.

Well of water, ever springing,
Bread of life so rich and free,
Untold wealth that never faileth,
My Redeemer is to me.