One custom of our church community includes the babies and toddlers. Toward the end of the worship service, many parents collect their little ones and bring them to the sanctuary for the closing praise songs.
When our two-year old granddaughter, Elena, arrives, she starts out in Mommy’s arms, then clambers to Daddy, then over to Papa (my husband, Steve), and finally to Nana—that’s me.
Last Sunday she was particularly affectionate—arms around my neck, head nestled on my shoulder. Every now and then she’d lift her head to give me a kiss on the cheek. I held her close and kissed her silken hair.
(Who could resist snuggling with this?!)
Please understand: Elena is a typical toddler. She knows what she wants and when she wants it (usually NOW!). Her expressive cries can be quite vociferous. But those traits of stubbornness and impatience—seen in most toddlers–don’t diminish my love for her. Not a bit.
I reveled in that moment of tenderness at church, while swaying to the music and singing of our love for God. In my mind’s eye, I saw myself as the child, held in the close embrace of my Father, who lovingly forgives my sins and casts them as far as the east is from the west.
What an astounding privilege he grants us—to participate in close, familial communion with him, the King of the Universe!
Day in and day out our glorious and powerful God draws near to us:
- Through creation. Just this morning, he draped pink cloud-ribbons across a crystalline sky, turning our minds to him and his infinite genius. Almighty God orchestrates every intricate aspect of life on our planet, yet we can know him as our gracious and compassionate Father.
- Through his Word. Just this week I had occasion to study the word, abide, found in John 14:6. “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever” (KJV). First I looked up the word in the dictionary, and discovered abide means much more than just being with someone. Abide also includes persevering under (!) and tolerating (!), in addition to remaining in one place, to continue or endure. I had to smile at the tongue-in-cheek humor. And I prayed, “Oh, Lord, thank you for loving me that much!
- Through people. A young woman at our new church has been enthusiastically friendly. And though I’ve told her I appreciate her kindness, I doubt she can fully understand how her interest, hugs, and effervescence have ministered to me. God draws near with his joy each time we meet.
- Through circumstances. Hugs and kisses from a toddler are just one precious example that makes me mindful of God’s love for me.
* * * * * * * * * *
Oh, Father, I shake my head in wonder to think
You long for us to be your familial friends.
I praise you for your abundant, gracious love,
Motivating you to reveal yourself
Through creation,
People, circumstances,
Your word, and more.
In fact, you are intimately involved
In every moment of our lives.
Thank you for blessing us
With your abiding presence,
Even though it requires of you
Great tolerance and perseverance!
We cling to you, our Source of
Strength, wisdom, and provision.
You are with us and in us,
Always drawing us closer to you.
Thank you for never giving up
And never letting go.
(2 Corinthians 6:16, 18; Psalm 103:8; Psalm 19:1-4;
Matthew 5:14, 16; Psalm 92:4; 2 Timothy 3:16-17;
Psalm 139:1-5; Zephaniah 3:17; James 1:17;
Isaiah 41:10; 1 Corinthians 3:16; James 4:8;
Philippians 1:6; John 10:28.)
(Photo credits: Nancy Ruegg, and http://www.wallpaperup.com.)
From the Inside Out 