Here we go again. When you aren't ready for it, that child teaches you something. Ok, let's be honest, it's God. Over the past week my time alone with God has been less. I'm grateful for my running time that clears my mind and sets it back to all that He has given me, but there are other areas that have been lacking. I have been sleeping in, a rarity for me indeed. Because of my later mornings, I have shortened my day by an hour or two and missing out on my routine. Take it to Thursday morning. I am dead asleep. Not setting an alarm has allowed my body to rest completely. Deep sleep through the morning. In runs AJ, my sweet, snuggly, monster of a three year old. She climbs into bed with me, waking me with her hugs and headbutts. We spent a few minutes pretending to sleep before I decided this was it, there was no going back. I opened my eyes and see the kindest face staring at me. Those bright blue eyes sparkling with joy and wonder for another day awake. And a smile. Oh that smile. Uninhibited, raw. I ask her one question. "What are you smiling for?" Her answer? "I'm just happy you're with me." Mmm. What more could a mother want to hear? So I wrap her in a hug and say, "You make my heart happy." To this she says, "Me? Not Caleb?!" Her smile widens and she hugs me fiercely. Stop. Let that settle in. Is this not a picture of both how we should be with God, and how we are? How often do we sit with God, our Father, and smile because we are just happy He is with us? It isn't because He did something, or gave something. It is just simply being in His presence. This is perhaps one area of my walk with God that I have always felt like I have it down, ya know. Being able to just sit and enjoy Him. However, there are so many times in life where I don't get the chance to sit. I don't have much time of sitting in the quiet. I suppose that's why I run. I get the quiet time with him. I wish and long for more time in the sitting position to just smile and be at peace knowing He is with me. The second statement also hit me. First, because she would think that only one of my children could make my heart happy. She should know my love for her. Second, because we are the same way with God. When we hear God tell us that He loves us, or that He is happy with what we've done, or that He is proud of us, we say, "Really? Don't you mean the pastor? Don't you mean my parents? Clearly I can't make you happy the way those missionaries make you happy." Why not? Why don't we believe that what we can make our God happy? It isn't just the do's and don't's. It's the love shown. It's the time spent with Him and others. He made us in His image. When we show that image, it makes Him happy with us. Yes, leave it to the simple words of a three year old to point out just what we need to know. Isn't it beautiful? Isn't she beautiful? I hope you sit and smile, just because He is with you.
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May 2023
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