When we think of ourselves as children of God, we tend to imagine ourselves as small children, dependent and trusting. A better analogy would be to think of ourselves as adolescents.

Anyone who has raised a child to adulthood can understand the dilemma of wanting our children to become independent, successful members of society, but realizing as they make their way in the world they will make mistakes. They will get hurt.

God did not create us as robots programmed for total obedience. He knows that we will make poor choices as we grow.

We will face trials and we will, at times, question His love for us. Just as the parent of an adolescent, God wants us to come to Him for advice, consolation and love.

He wants us to remember all He has taught us, all He has done for us, and how much He loves us. He wants our love and devotion in spite of the hardships we face or successes we achieve.

When I think about those who don't believe they need God in their lives, it brings to mind the lonely widow who sits in her home day after day, hoping for the moment when her child will call or come to see her. Some never will.

How sad is that!. .