My 14-month-old daughter loves pressing buttons around the house and watching what happens. Whenever she presses the light switch and the living room lights turn on, she claps her hands with a bright smile—as if she’s accomplished something wonderful. When she’s especially delighted, she even shouts her own little exclamation, “Da!”
Her favorite buttons are on the door locks—both for the main entrance of our apartment building and for our home. Whenever we return from an outing, she squirms in my arms, pointing excitedly at the door, eager to press the buttons herself. If no one else is passing by, we stop and let her try.
Of course, the door never opens from the random numbers she presses. After a few failed attempts, she looks up at me and whines for help. That is when we press the first few digits of the password and guide her little finger to press the final one. When the door unlocks, she spreads her arms wide, clapping and laughing.
At our home’s door, her anticipation is even greater. Again, we press all the numbers and let her finish by pressing the last “#” button. As soon as the door opens, she shouts joyfully, “Da! Da!”
She must feel so happy, believing she opened the door all by herself. In reality, there is no way she could have unlocked the building door, with its ten thousand possible combinations—or our home door, with its million. Yet she beams with pride, and we, her parents, simply find her adorable.
Sometimes I wonder if Heavenly Father and Mother feel the same way when They watch us. Many scientists and mathematicians, after years of research, avoid claiming absolute certainty. Even with strong evidence, they humbly say “most likely” rather than “definitely.” Yet I have often thought my own plans were certain and perfect. Though I cannot see even one step ahead, I made plans on my own and felt frustrated when they failed. And when things did go well, I quickly credited my own efforts instead of God’s grace.
Now I understand, at least a little, how God opens the gates of heaven for us—and how I have been “knocking” without even realizing it. It has always been because Heavenly Father and Mother went before me, guiding my hands, holding my heart, and leading the way.
Thank You, Father and Mother, for patiently watching over me when I stubbornly called my own will a “plan.” Thank You for guiding my every step when I prayed in frustration because things did not go my way, yet You still kept me in Your care. Thank You for giving me the very best, even when I foolishly claimed the results of Your plan as my own.
From now on, I will follow wherever God leads—with gratitude and obedience—until the gates of heaven open and I enter in as Your child.