Signs Of Security
Signs of security. Look for them. Looking for signs of spring may be on your mind right now and that makes sense, but what if we looked for signs of security? And listened for them? And created them?
I just spent one week in Independence, Kentucky, and Cincinnati, Ohio, and saw many security signs. I was so deeply encouraged.
Security is important because it is the first core need that must be met for ourselves and our children. Trustworthiness matters. Safety matters. Security is unconditional love accompanied by action. It’s love showing up. It’s felt, seen, and observable even to outsiders.
Or, it should be. Security placed in things will not last. It will disappoint. Popularity. Power. Position. Beauty. Grades. Obedience. Talent. Income. The “right” neighborhood. Attempting to place security in things can lead to false hope and deep despair.
Children crave security. That includes teenagers even if they act like they don’t. Adults, too, need to know they are secure. Placing security in trustworthy people is always best.
This week, this is what I saw. So many signs of security:
Dads holding daughter’s hands as they walked in the exhibit hall. Moms holding son’s hands and looking down, smiling, and talking while they were walking. Dads walking with young children up on their neck, holding tight to their little legs. Children walking hand-in-hand laughing. Teenagers in a circle playing a game together, cooperating and laughing as if they had known each other a long time, but they hadn’t. Parents soothing children when they were crying rather than yelling at them because they were crying. Husbands and wives sitting together pouring over notebooks and curriculum discussing what the best options might be. Listening to each other and respecting each other’s input. Husbands putting arms around wives when tears came during seminars. Moms and dads putting arms around children during seminars when I said something especially relevant to them. Quick laughter when an illustration reminded people they are not alone. Moms and dads bringing their children to me so I could meet them and children wanting to be met. Teenagers asking parents for their opinions and wanting to learn from them. Parents and children asking experts for input and help. Adults helping children be obedient with calm and kind words. Children easily listening because it is expected behavior. Children open to new ideas from new people. Children being vulnerable in front of their peer group by asking questions and their friends affirming them for their curiosity. Parents and grandparents attending an event they did not need to so their children and grandchildren would be reminded that they want to be involved in their lives. Moms and dads sharing stories of heartache and trusting others with their tears.
What did I also notice because of all I saw and heard? Gentleness. Joy. Peace. Compassion. Respect. Contentment. Bonding. Curiosity. Sensitivity. Freedom. Courage. Love. Acceptance. Flexibility. Inclusion. Empathy. Teachability. Cheerfulness. Playfulness. Comfort. Blessings. Sincerity. Commitment. Enthusiasm. Creativity. Attentiveness. Confidence. Endurance. Faith. Generosity. Honesty. Gratefulness. Humility. Hope. Kindness. Optimism. Passion. Transparency.
Security matters. It’s powerful! It’s necessary. And, it causes so much more. Look for security signs. Listen for them. Create them.
