1, 2, 3, JUMP!

Mom says, “1, 2, 3 Jump!”

This is a daily ritual for two parents and their two sons at my job. It’s part of how they say goodbye every morning. The tricky part is that after the jump the boys are supposed to wrap their legs around their mom as she lifts them after saying “1, 2, 3 Jump!” The older one (4) does it perfectly every time. The younger one (2.5) not so much.

One particular day, Mom started getting frustrated because they did the 1, 2, 3 Jump three times, but the little one kept forgetting to put his legs up. She was clearly getting more and more upset and he was clearly having a great time. Finally, Mom said
“Ok, this is the last time because I have to go.”
He responded with a giggle and a nod. Try number four came and he still didn’t do it.
So she said,
“I’m sorry, but you’re not doing it. I have to go.”

Then she went on to the older one and he did it on the first try. The 2 year old started crying louder and louder the closer she got to the door until she turned around. When she turned she said,

“Ok, one more time.” This time, he got it.

In the moment, I cracked up through the whole scenario, but when it was over I started thinking about it and I think what was displayed was incredible.

There are moments in life where the instructions and expectations are simple and clear, but we still mess it up. But God allows you to keep trying even when we are enjoying the fact that we’re messing up. Eventually, though, we see the possible repercussions of our actions and what really happens when we choose to ignore our Father (Mom in the story). But when we cry out to Him and show that we understand what He’s trying to accomplish with us, He will show that He was there all along waiting for us to ask for another chance to get it right.

1, 2, 3 Jump into the arms of The Lord.