I watch Chaz play as I read. Sometimes he struggles as he attempts to climb up on his toy bucket or balance against the rocking chair. I watch him closely, as he nearly falls. Initially, I desire to reach out and help him back up. But, as I let him struggle a bit, almost every time he figures it out on his own, breaking his own fall or mishap as he becomes more coordinated, and possibly even better prepared for the next time he encounters the same obstacle.
After I am finished reading, I sing the clean up song, and conversationally nudge him to help me pick up. He doesn't do that on his own. After I pick up most of the toys by myself, I take his hand in mine, and help him grasp his hand around a toy and place it in his toy bucket. My hope is that these little baby steps (including a line upon line and precept upon precept approach) will eventually help Chaz to know what to do on his own at the end of playtime.
Isn't this like our life here on Earth, and our relationship with our Heavenly Father? He lets us attempt to climb on our own. Not to be cruel or unhelpful, but to ensure our growth. If we are to fall, he is always there. He is also always there watching us conquer these things. It may seem to us that we are on our own, but the gift of his spirit is always with us, even if it is simply granting a vote of confidence that yes, we can do this.
We may be like children spiritually if Heavenly Father expected us to "clean up a room" all by ourselves in an infant like state. However, a wise Father feeds us a little at a time, as we are ready. He allows time to learn things. In the end, we most likely even surprise ourselves as we are eventually able to conquer great and tremendous feats with the help and insight of our Heavenly Father.
There are lessons to learn everywhere (even during playtime), if we take time to be aware and listen to the sweet promptings of the spirit.
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