Safe and Sound in the Father's Love

This morning, BT and I woke up, watched “Veggie Tales” and “Curious George” for a while, and then ate breakfast.  Immediately following our grub time, he said, “outside” (very enthusiastically).  So, we headed out to play in the backyard, barefoot and with our pj’s on.  Side note: I just cut the grass yesterday, and the dew hadn’t dried yet, so we were sticky with grass!

As we played in the backyard, there were times he would want me right there with him, pushing him in the Little Tikes car or on his tri-cycle.  Other times, his curiosity would get the best of him and he would have to see what that black soot in the fire pit felt like, or if he could open the back gate, or mess with the water hose and wind it round-and-round, saying “wee!!!”.  He is so cute on his Fisher Price four-wheeler, too; he will press the “gas” and drive like a wild man across the back yard, until he hits the fence, which results in whining, asking for my help, or just giving up and getting off.

He plays really well all by himself much of the time, but he loves when I get on his level, too.  He has a few balls in the yard and he has figured out how to bounce them on the patio, but the most fun for him is when I squat down and we try (keyword) to throw the ball back and forth.  I love that he is still too young, innocent, and sweet to realize that Da-ty really isn’t all that cool.  I hope he never figures it out. 

The funniest thing was seeing him put his big yellow ball in the driver’s seat of his Little Tikes car and then try to fit himself in there, too.  He was frustrated and confused and finally figured out that they couldn’t both fit in the driver’s seat.  He picked the ball up, turned around and looked out the back and yelled, “Da-ty!” in a way that demanded and begged for me to come get him out of his predicament.  I am so thankful for his sense of independence, but I have to admit that I really love when he wants my help.

At one point I found myself, sitting on the bench in the back yard, thanking God for this little boy.  I am so blessed to be his Da-ty.  And then He showed me a few things:

• We complicate our relationship with Him, when all He desires is simple love and childlike faith.
• When we hit a wall, He is always willing to come turn us around.
• He loves to be on our level, He is thrilled when we want to spend time with Him, or need Him to get down low with us.
• Many of us journey out of childhood and think we are far too cool for a real relationship with God.  We are too cool, too capable, too self-reliant, and too smart.
• It’s time to realize that there isn’t room for two in the driver’s seat.
• God the Father loves when we call on Him.

As I type this, Ben Thomas is snuggled up next to me in the recliner, fast-asleep.

When is the last time you allowed yourself to rest, safe and sound, in your Father’s love?