When I think of the word spunky, I think of our four year old granddaughter, Avery. In case you are not aware of the definition of spunky, it is “possessing or displaying courage, able to face and deal with danger or fear without flinching, spirited, brave, and feisty.”
She is a thin, wiry little blonde, with big deep blue eyes and an irresistible smile – just ask her Pop. Her first few years have come with many physical challenges, such as, ear infections, surgery, reflux, and severe exema. But, the difficulties have proven to make her even more resilient and spunky. Of course, being the third child out of four could contribute to that!
Her mother has said, “She definitely walks to the beat of her own drum.” She has never met a stranger and if you’ve ever read the definition for a sanguine personality – she wrote it! Independent and secure, not adhering to the rules- because that’s not fun!
Just a few days ago, she entered the house and proceeded to tell her mom that she had ridden down the street on her bike by herself to their neighbor’s house. Not allowed! But, did Avery care? No! She thought it would be fun. After all, she is grown up, just like her older siblings and besides, she wanted to see Mr. Tom and Ms. Teresa – so she ignored the rules and went.
Well, it only gets worse. As she was confessing joyfully to what she’d done, she added on one last line. “And I didn’t wear my helmet.” As if her first confession was not bad enough! At that point, her mom was given no choice but to deal with her disobedient and defiant acts.
If only Avery could understand that her mom and dad set those rules and boundaries in place for her good and her protection. But, she is too young to comprehend the true dangers of riding down the middle of the street and not wearing the armor – protective gear given her for her own safety.
As I’ve thought about our little spunky one, Avery, I’ve had to take a look at my own life. Being a little sanguine myself, I can identify! Am I being obedient to the boundaries my Heavenly Father has set up for me or am I being “independent,” doing my own thing even though it may prove to be harmful for me? He has given me all I need to successfully and safely maneuver through this life- protective gear and all! Will I submit to His authority or will I choose my own fun – yet defiant way?
Father, You created me and You know I like to have fun. But more than that, my heart desires to please You. Help me to choose obedience over defiance. Clothe me daily with the protective gear You have given me that I might fight off the flesh and surrender to Your ways, because You, Father, know what is best for me.
“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and His mighty power. Put on the full armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil… Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Ephesians 6:10-17
“We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin. And since we died with Christ, we know we will also live with Him. We are sure of this because Christ was raised from the dead, and he will never die again. Death no longer has any power over Him. When he died, he died once to break the power of sin. But now that He lives, He lives for the glory of God. So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus.” Romans 6:5-11
dianne