Sunday, February 26, 2012

Your Daddy's Got You


Photo Credit: aarongilson via photopin cc
A few weeks ago my second child, a beautiful baby girl was born. Subsequently, I have lost any claim to being a tough guy, a stern parent, or a hard-nosed disciplinarian. In fact, my behavior while holding this gorgeous bundle of joy has revealed my gooey marshmallow insides for the whole world to see.

Case in point-- four days after my daughter was born, I stood in my kitchen, sleep-deprived but still giddy, holding her close and doing what many people have caught themselves doing while holding a newborn: speaking aloud what one imagines the child to be thinking. You know, it goes something like this: infant yawns . . . adult says in sleepy voice, "Oh, I'm sooooo sleepy! Yes I am!". Admit it. You've done it, too.

However, as I stood that day watching my baby girl stare ponderously into my eyes, I pretended she was saying things like, "Daddy, I don't have a single care in the world as long as I'm in your arms. While you're holding me, everything's all right. I'm safe. I don't have to worry about a thing as long as my daddy's got me!"

And that's when the tears filled my eyes. I could try to argue that it was lack of sleep, but the truth is that I was completely overwhelmed by a sense that what I was imagining my daughter saying is actually what God wants to hear from each of us: "I don't have a care in the world as long as I'm in Your arms, Father. All of my worries and frustrations fade away because I know you've got me." I had a deep conviction that this could be what Jesus meant when He encouraged us to become like a child:

"Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven." (Mt.18:3)

After all, Jesus made it clear that one who believes in His heavenly Father has no cause for worry:

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life . . . Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span?" (Mt. 6:25,27)

So my marshmallowy insides have been revealed.  So the whole world knows I'm a huge softie.  Big deal!  I'm working on placing myself in my Father's arms and letting go of all of my worries in order to trust Him completely. Perhaps you will, too. 

After all . . . Your Daddy's Got You.

1 comment:

  1. How true Mr C! We all worry about so much. It is hard to let it all go and let God take care of everything but I 'm working on it too.

    ReplyDelete