Because of his curiosity and desire to explore, we know that he is going to get hurt. As we watch him pull up on something we have a pretty good idea if he is going to fall or not. Sometimes we catch him and redirect him but sometimes we let him fall. It hurts us to watch him fall, get hurt, and cry but it is a part of the learning and growing process. As hard as it is to watch him hurt, it brings is joy to watch him learn from his hurts and make better decisions the next time. Even at 8 months he is learning from his mistakes.
As new parents, we are trying to find the balance between protecting him and letting him learn from his experiences. We haven't found a specific formula for knowing when to help and when to let him fall, just playing it by ear and open to ideas.
As I process this concept, I can't help but think that this is the same thing that God goes through with us. He is watching us and has more than just a pretty good idea if we are going to fall or not. Sometimes He catches and redirects us and sometimes He lets us fall. And as much as it pains Him to watch us, it brings Him joy to watch us learn and grow and make better decisions the next time.
This has helped me understand the concept of how God could "allow" bad things to happen in the world. More than ever, I'm thankful for the times that God chose not to catch or redirect me away from pain, hurt, and heartbreak. I wouldn't be where I am today without that learning and growing in times of hurt. And while my wife and I are still finding the balance between knowing when to help our son and when to let him fall, we will definitely be there to encourage, hold, hug, and love him unconditionally throughout the entire process.
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