Last Sunday I was at church, and during worship we were singing the song, “No Longer Slaves” (by Bethel Music). I love the lyrics of this song for many reasons, but during the chorus a sweet moment happened.
 
As we sang, “I’m no longer a slave to fear. I am a child of God…” I looked in front of me and there was a young boy (probably 4 or 5 years old) who was looking up at his parents.
 
Both of his parents had their hands raised while singing, and this boy looked at them and put his hands up too. All throughout the song he kept looking up at his parents, and since they kept their hands raised, he did too. At one point, his Dad looked down and saw his son’s hands in the air. The Dad smiled and then looked back up and continued worshipping.
 
My first thought was, “We have an amazing kids’ ministry. Why isn’t this boy with other kids his age?” But then, I was thankful that he was sitting in the row in front of me.
 
God used this child to remind me:
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• Kids will imitate their parents. This can be positive or negative. I’m so thankful that I was raised in a home with two amazing parents who loved God and showed me unconditional love. I learned about love because love was modeled to me.

• You may not realize who is looking up to you. Because of this, we need to make sure our actions and words are worth imitating. For most of the song, the parents had no idea their son was watching them. They were focused on worshipping God, and because of that, their son also learned how to worship.

• Just as the father looked down and smiled when he saw his son lifting his hands in worship, I believe our heavenly Father is pleased when He sees us worshipping Him.

Even though I’m made in the image of God, it’s easy to get caught up in distractions and imitate the world around me.
 
Sometimes it takes a child to remind me that I should be looking up and imitating my Father.

“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.” ~ Ephesians 5:1-2 (NLT)

Every week, I read lots of blogs. I’m drawn to writers who are vulnerable and honest in their blogs, because I think the world needs more honesty. If someone were to ask me today, “How are you?” my automatic response would be, “I’m good.” But my honest response would be….
 
I’ve been feeling restless. I’ve been wondering if what I’m doing now is what God wants me to continue doing, or if He has something else planned. The overwhelming sense of peace that I used to feel is now replaced by moments of peace and waves of restlessness.
 
For someone who likes to have everything planned out, feeling restless is scary and uncomfortable.
 
I was talking with a friend today and told her how I’ve been feeling. I was surprised when she admitted that she has also been feeling restless. I would’ve never known this unless I had been honest with her in the first place. At that moment, I sensed God saying, “See….I brought you a friend who understands what you’re going through. I place specific people in your life at a specific time for a reason. You two can support one another.” 
 
I’m thankful for the honest conversation I had with my friend today. Maybe I’m feeling restless because God has something different planned for me. Maybe I’m feeling restless because He’s using this season of my life to strengthen certain aspects of my character. Maybe it's a good thing to feel restless.
 
If feeling restless causes us to pursue God more and ultimately fulfill His purpose for our lives, then maybe we shouldn't want to settle with being comfortable. 

​In her study, Restless, Jennie Allen says: 

​“The restlessness we feel is not a bad thing. I believe it is the longing and passion in us for God – for more. It could push us to move forward, to live epic lives that were designed before the foundations of the earth were laid.”


​If you’re feeling restless, maybe it’s because God doesn’t want you to settle for less than what He’s created you for.
 
Pray for wisdom and discernment, and surround yourself with people who will encourage you along the way. I’d be happy to be one of those people if you need someone.