I was thrilled. My daughter and my just-turned-one grandson came for a week-long visit. Her husband was working back home in Baltimore but for a glorious week I had two thirds of their family with me. Bethany and I got pedicures, Jackson splashed in the lake with his cousins, we visited the zoo and celebrated the July Fourth with a full-family barbecue.
Through the week I thought about Phillip time and again. I did not take lightly the fact that he surrendered his family for a week and I was the beneficiary. As the end of our time together neared, I imagined how Phillip must be anticipating their return and his eagerness to see them. In the midst of my contemplation a simple truth revealed itself with startling clarity.
Phillip knows that he’s Jackson’s father. He forever has that honor and distinction, responsibility and joy. But it’s not enough to know he has a son. He is eager to see him face to face, hug him, talk to him, read him stories and take him for walks. My Father is the same! He longs to see me face to face, not from a distance. He loves my nearness. He wants to talk with me, tell me stories and walk with me. Do I really expect Him to be content with just knowing that I’m His child? In that aha moment of discovery I shamefully found that to be my unspoken attitude.
I’m sorry, Lord. Please forgive me for neglecting our relationship and taking it for granted. I am humbled to realize anew that you long for my company. Help me to respond to you as I want my children to respond to me.
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