Helicopter Hubby

Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me. (Psalm 50:15 NASB)

“Are you asking me to be a helicopter husband?” my other half inquired. My first day attending Lifestyle Christianity University, in Texas, early September, cloudless day, 100 degree weather. I didn’t want chit chat, I wanted out of my embarrassment and the heat. Of course he remembered right at that moment a phrase we’d learned over a decade ago while raising our boys. I hadn’t realized I’d locked my keys in the car until after the school day ended. I needed my husband, feeling helicopterish or not, to bring me a spare set of keys. You know, swoop in and save my bacon. The bacon currently frying on the parking lot. Please rescue wilting princess from cruel heat.

When our kids were young, I chose carefully from the wide selection of parenting books. One of my favorites: Parenting with Love and Logic by Foster Cline and Jim Fay. It taught logical parenting, giving children choices and teaching responsibility. Responsibility that didn’t include parents bailing children out all the time. No being the hovering helicopter ready to fetch and deliver your child’s forgotten (fill in the blank).

· Forgot your lunch for the tenth time, sure not a problem, I’m in an important business meeting, but on my way.

· Forgot your homework for the fifth time, no problem, here I come straight out of the dentist chair.

Next thing you know, my mind conjured up any number of situations…

· Forgot your term paper?

· Forgot your portfolio?

· Forgot your business papers?

Which would undoubtably lead to…

· Forgot your bail money? Be right there sweetie pie. Let me grab my helicopter keys.

As I stood soliciting my bail out, I knew even though my husband was going to have a heyday teasing me, he would kindly and gladly bring my keys. He is that kind of man. He would definitely have fun with it. He is that kind of man also. Let the ribbing begin, pun intended: Over the phone, I heard him beating his chest, making a hovering helicopter noise as we spoke. Gee, this helicopter might never land. I also knew I’d be double checking I had my keys in my possession before slamming my car door shut - for quite a while.

I wonder if God ever feels like we treat Him as a helicopter Father. Do we call on Him only when we need a bail out? Is He our go to after we’ve exhausted our own efforts? It’s not that He doesn’t want us to shout out for help, but is that the only time we call on Him? Do we spend time with Him when life is routine? Do we enjoy His presence, just to enjoy His presence? I have definitely had a few shout outs in my time on this earth. I’m sure I haven’t had my last. God never teased me, nor did I ever feel the vibrations of a helicopter hovering when He “rescues” me with a word, direction or correction. May I never take for granted the relationship I have with the Father because of the price Jesus paid for me on the cross.

The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. (Psalm 145:18 NASB)

I would love for you to sign up to receive my occasional newsletter. It is a separate sign up.