Moving Out

by Joey Davis

Attics are neat places to visit, but would you want to live there? Olivia does. Olivia has discovered that there is a certain degree of excitement that comes from exploring an attic Oh, I know that it is only a small portion of the house, but It contains all the things that seem to make life exciting: danger, mystery, and hidden treasure.

Olivia is quite taken with the idea of living in our attic just the other day, she told me that she planned to move into the modest space over our garage. Mira you, she wasn't asking for permission, but rather stating her independence. When I told her that it would be cold up there, she let me know that she had a good coat. Then I played my trump card. . but if you move out of the house, I'll miss you so badly! This caused some introspection.

She mused over my statement for a few moments. Her resolve to move to the attic was set, and she had every intention of having her way. . With or without my permission However, in order to use my emotions to her advantage, she carne up with a compromise; "It's okay, daddy. I'll just move up there and when I get hungry, I'll come down for dinner and you'll get to see me again." In other words, "I'll grace you with my presence only If and when you can meet my needs."

What a concept declare your independence from your parents and still hold on to the privilege of being their child. Why not have your cake and eat it too? I'll tell you why not because life Just doesn't work that way, that's why not . . .

. . The world we live in is an exciting and interesting place. Our surroundings are filled with danger, mystery, intrigue, and treasures galore! However, one of our Savior's prayers tells us that we are to be in the world, yet not of the world.

God loves our presence and praise the same way love the presence and honor afforded me by Olivia Too often, we attempt to move out of God's house and think that we can appease Him with a compromise that grants Him our presence if He will keep the privileges flowing our way! Honestly, when moving from God, we aren't interested in His permission, or even His approval. We just want to work out a deal that assures us of the blessings of being His child while declaring our independence from His rule.

Well, as I have said before, it just doesn't work that way! If we desire the blessings of being His child, we must seek His presence and walk by His guidance.

By the way, despite the excitement of living on her own, Olivia didn't move away from me .. have you moved away from God?