The Boy on the Bridge
Walking down to visit my mum yesterday morning, I chose to walk through the Rex Park.
As I crossed one of the bridges, I noticed a young boy, maybe around four years old, standing all alone and looking particularly glum. 
His arms were folded, feet firmly planted and a face suggesting that life had treated him very unfairly.
At first for a brief second or two, I was a little concerned and wondered why he was standing there by himself.
Then, looking across to the other side of the bridge at a little bit of a distance, I spotted a concerned parent watching him.
As I approached her, I asked, “Is he in a huff?”
“Yes – a big one!” she replied.
We smiled, I wished her good luck and then carried on towards my mum’s.
It was only a small moment, but as I reflected on it this morning, my mind flashed back to similar occasions with our own children some twenty+ years ago, and some of the occasional grumpy tantrums we endured.
As a concerned parent, I recall I’d try all the usual stuff, like reasoning, distraction, humour, and occasionally, pretending to carry on without them while quietly checking over my shoulder at the same time.
Yet experience taught me that often the best thing I could do was stay close, give whoever it was a little space, patiently wait for the huff to run out of steam… and for those firmly folded arms to finally unfold.
The Lesson
In some ways, that feels like our relationship with our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Sometimes we may find ourselves standing still, spiritually disappointed, frustrated or even quietly “in a huff” because something has not worked out and life hasn’t gone as we’d hoped.
At other times, we may simply wonder why Jesus Christ seems so distant from us.
Yet perhaps He is much nearer than we realise: watching carefully, loving completely and patiently waiting for us.
I know, He will never force us to move, but rather, He continually invites us to turn, soften our hearts and take one small step towards Him.
I remember clearly those tender moments when our children eventually turned and drew close once again.
In the scriptures, Doctrine and Covenants 88:63, the Saviour promises: “Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you.”
Where in your life might the Saviour be inviting you to take one small step towards Him today?
