This is a picture of me and my daughter Ella. It was taken about 7 months ago, and in it I can see the transition beginning to take place. What transition? It’s the transition from baby to toddler, from cuddly to discoverer, from loving to a girl playing “the game” better than any girl I ever dated or pursued. Over the past several months, Ella has become mobile, talkative, independent, and has changed her priorities. Today, her world is full of things that take up her time, and I rank last after mommy, food, toys, and Yo Gabba Gabba. During any time of the day, at any moment, in any place, this does not change. Getting her out of her carseat has even become a difficult task, because if it isn’t mommy doing it, she doesn’t want out. There are two things every day though, that help me keep my sanity (and faith that it’s just a phase). The first is when I come home from work. Her cheeky smile, big blue eyes, and pigtails come running in from another room yelling “Hi Dadda! Hi Dadda! Hi Dadda!” and it makes me smile. I do however know not to press my luck. I say “Hi Ella” back, but no hugging, kissing or picking her up. She’s happy I’m home, but I’m still lowest on the totem pole. The other is at bedtime. Amy and I sing her a song, pray with her and we each get a goodnight kiss. It’s the highlight of my night.
I know she’s young, and doesn’t understand yet, but I want her to grow up knowing just how much I love her. I am devoted to doing anything I can to give her love, peace, health, healing, wisdom, joy and happiness. She will need these things throughout her life, as life can be cruel. She’ll need extra love when she’s feeling alone, or after a broken heart. There will be times when she will need me to help her feel better if she’s sick. She’ll need me at times to bring happiness and joy in her life when she’s feeling down or sad. There will be times when she needs advice or wisdom about a tough decision. She’s still young, but someday she’ll realize that those are the things I do for her, because I’m her daddy, because she spends time with me, because she talks to me, and because I love her. Her age is a fine excuse as to why spending time with me is low on her current priorities. But what’s mine?
Right now, I have a God who loves me more than I could ever love Ella. A God who wants to give me more love, wisdom, peace, health, healing, joy, happiness, and blessings than I could ever give Ella. A God who is right there, waiting for me to put down the phone, computer, tv, or toys, and spend some time with Him. The thought of spending time with such a loving God should be enough, but if I desire to give my daughter all that I can, imagining a God wanting to do the same for me is overwhelming. God wants to pour into your life, (“more than you can imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams”-Eph 3:20 msg) but are you willing to take the time to invest in the relationship?
Last night I was thinking about the image created when I get home from work. I walk in the door and usually before I get a few steps in, Ella is there greeting me. Where is God right now in your life? Is he waiting patiently inside the door for you to spend time with him? Are you already receiving the benefits of spending time with him? Or is he still outside the door, waiting for the invitation to come in?
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