Earlier this week I took a day off. A real day off, not one of those "working at the house days off." We spent most of the day in Danville, KY where my wife's parents live. That afternoon Katie (my wife) and I took our two little girls Madalyn (2) and Olivia (1) to Millenium park. This park is one of the biggest and most well manicured parks I have ever seen. Covering at least 20 acres there are 4 playgrounds, baseball fields, a skate park and a beautiful lake. There is also a very nice pathway cut in to the rolling green hills that the park is situated on.
My favorite part of the park is the lake which is where my oldest daughter and I were sitting on a swing. That is, until the ducks came walking up from the water's edge. Maddy nearly climbed up on my shoulders from fear of these little creatures. It took a second but I calmed her down and we decided to walk across the little bridge and visit one of the other playgrounds. As we walked across the bridge Maddy grabbed my hand tightly. When I looked down at her I noticed she was scanning her surroundings to see if any of those ducks were following us. That's when i did what any father would do...I asked; "Are you ok?" Her answer stunned me.
She said; "I am ok. I was just afraid of those ducks. But I will hold your hand and then they will not get me." I melted. Inside I had one of those moments that only daddies get to have. I was overcome with a sense of purpose, because she was right...I wouldn't let anything happen to her. At the same time I was moved by her unwavering faith.
My daughter reminded me of something that I don't think about as often as I should. What she was really saying to me was that, though there was (in her mind) a serious threat to be aware of, as long as she was close to her father, and could feel his presence, everything would be all right.
As I ponder that thought I am reminded of the words of the 16th Psalm where it is said that in the presence of Jehovah there is "fullness of joy" (v.11). Or Psalm 31 and those beautiful words of refuge wherein it is said "In the cover of your presence you hide them from the plots of men" (v.20 ESV). It's in the words of this Psalmist...or in the words of my daugther that I am reminded of one of my greatest needs as a child of God - to feel the presence of my God. To know that He is near and is mindful of my need for Him. Peter wrote that; "the face of the Lord is on the righteous and his ears are open to their prayers..." reminding us that God is watching us, not in the sense that He is hawkishly watching for any mistake, but that He has His eyes on us, like the doting eyes of a loving Father.
So it is this thought that gives me pause today to take a moment and listen. Not for a still small voice to lead me, but to feel the warmth and love of a God who is watching, and caring...for me.
JC3
My favorite part of the park is the lake which is where my oldest daughter and I were sitting on a swing. That is, until the ducks came walking up from the water's edge. Maddy nearly climbed up on my shoulders from fear of these little creatures. It took a second but I calmed her down and we decided to walk across the little bridge and visit one of the other playgrounds. As we walked across the bridge Maddy grabbed my hand tightly. When I looked down at her I noticed she was scanning her surroundings to see if any of those ducks were following us. That's when i did what any father would do...I asked; "Are you ok?" Her answer stunned me.
She said; "I am ok. I was just afraid of those ducks. But I will hold your hand and then they will not get me." I melted. Inside I had one of those moments that only daddies get to have. I was overcome with a sense of purpose, because she was right...I wouldn't let anything happen to her. At the same time I was moved by her unwavering faith.
My daughter reminded me of something that I don't think about as often as I should. What she was really saying to me was that, though there was (in her mind) a serious threat to be aware of, as long as she was close to her father, and could feel his presence, everything would be all right.
As I ponder that thought I am reminded of the words of the 16th Psalm where it is said that in the presence of Jehovah there is "fullness of joy" (v.11). Or Psalm 31 and those beautiful words of refuge wherein it is said "In the cover of your presence you hide them from the plots of men" (v.20 ESV). It's in the words of this Psalmist...or in the words of my daugther that I am reminded of one of my greatest needs as a child of God - to feel the presence of my God. To know that He is near and is mindful of my need for Him. Peter wrote that; "the face of the Lord is on the righteous and his ears are open to their prayers..." reminding us that God is watching us, not in the sense that He is hawkishly watching for any mistake, but that He has His eyes on us, like the doting eyes of a loving Father.
So it is this thought that gives me pause today to take a moment and listen. Not for a still small voice to lead me, but to feel the warmth and love of a God who is watching, and caring...for me.
JC3
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3 comments:
Many people trust that God will protect them. However, most people are not holding on to God. Just like Maddy clinched your hand, we all need to make sure that we are clinging to God, and not simply "trust" that God will take care of us.
Also, it is important that we always keep watch for the dangers that are around us, just as Maddy didn't assume those ducks weren't still after her.
It often amazes me that God gives us reminders like the one you experienced. When we understand that he is our Father, that He will protect us and that He is near our world changes. The most important thing from your story I see is "I will hold to your hand and as long as I do..." There is never a more clear piece of truth than that as long as we hold to God everything is OK. When we let go and try and do it on our own, that's when trouble appears.
Hey, Jim. Nice thoughts, my friend! It sure is comforting to know that He watches and that He cares, isn't it? Keep up the good work, pal.
Adam
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