June 2019

A little brother and sister were joyfully playing with their father. As usual they both wanted his undivided attention. The brother performed acrobatic feats, while his sister danced and twirled as she hummed and swayed gracefully. The father was used to his children’s competitions, and each one was the center of his joy in that moment.

At the height of the excitement the father received a call from his wife reminding him to finish a task or two before she arrived home. The little girl decided now was the time to make her big move, and she leaped into her father’s lap and yelled, “Tah daaahhh!” The brother sensed his little sister was getting the upper hand and decided now was the time for his grand finale. He needed his father’s full attention. Although he was quite afraid, he jumped off the kitchen counter into the air and yelled, “Father catch me!”

Hearing his son’s cry; the father dropped the cell phone; stood up quickly; sat his daughter in his seat; and stretched out his arms to catch his falling son.

“Oh no!” screamed sister as she feared her father would be too late.

“Save me!” cried brother, as he saw the floor approaching quicker than he anticipated. Instantly the father’s arm grabbed his son’s waist and drew him close and secure. The little brother was relieved, and he hugged his father tightly as he wept uncontrollably realizing he had made a mistake. His sister came to console him too having seen the panic on his face.

The father, understanding his son’s fear, immediately reassured him that he was safe. He wrapped his arms around him tighter and whispered in his ear, “I am here for you, even when you don’t use your best judgement. I am your father, and I will always respond when you call.” The little boy stopped crying and smiled. Then his father looked him in the eyes and said something profound. He said, “And the next time you want to jump, keep your eyes on me, because I never take my eyes off you.”

How amazing is a father’s love? As great as it is, how much more amazing is OUR HEAVENLY FATHER’S love? He is always there, always watching, and always ready. The word of God tells us in both the Old and New Testaments that He will never leave us nor forsake us. (Deuteronomy 31:6 and Hebrews 13:5.) Even when we use poor judgement or we jump prematurely, our Father will hear our earnest plea and save us. Our Father is omnipresent (everywhere) and omniscient (all-seeing). He is faithful though it all.

So, when the world moves fast and furiously don’t be afraid. Keep the faith and keep looking to our Father. He is right there! Like Peter, we can discover that our Father stands by ready to help us when we call Him. He will keep us safe in His arms. (Matthew 14:30-31.)

Blessings