Lavished Love

He stood at the front of the room, engaged in a deep conversation with one of his friends. Yet, from the corner of his eye, he noticed her, a small figure gliding toward him. She wore the prettiest little dress adorned with delicate blossoms that seemed to dance with each step she took. Earlier that morning, her mother had placed her on the kitchen counter, struggling to tame the wild, flyaway hairs into submission, fashioning them into the most adorable ponytail. He could practically picture the scene: the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air as mother lovingly fussed over their precious daughter.

As he kept his gaze on her, he marveled at how that ponytail bobbed up and down, each movement a testament to her spirited energy as she skillfully maneuvered past the greeter standing at the sanctuary's entrance. He recalled how he had to drive to church alone that Sunday morning to tend to a few things while Mama and baby girl followed behind at a more leisurely pace. A smile began to tug at the corners of his mouth as he watched her, his heart swelling with pride. He was her daddy, after all.

His eyes followed her as she navigated through the crowd, sidestepping a friendly lady who leaned down and wanted to admire her enchanting dress. Determination radiated from her small frame; her eyes locked onto him with an intensity that revealed her singular focus. She was on a mission, and nothing could deter her. He continued to observe her, and when she peered around a pair of legs, his smile broadened. She was just a few feet away now. While trying to remain polite, he turned slightly to the right, still engaged in conversation.

Suddenly, she came to an abrupt halt right beside him, gazing up at him from her lower vantage point. Love and expectation glimmered in her wide eyes, a silent plea for his attention. The moment he looked down at her, a wave of love washed over his face as if he were gazing at the most precious treasure. Instantly, he stretched out his arms toward her, their eyes meeting with a silent understanding. In that moment, she knew—without a shadow of a doubt—that she was cherished unconditionally.

With a contagious joy, she reached out her small arms, and he knelt down, effortlessly lifting her into his embrace. As he held her close to his chest, he whispered sweet affirmations and "I love yous" in her ear, her tiny arms wrapping around his neck, finding both comfort and security in his unwavering presence.

As I closed my eyes during praise and worship that morning, stretching my hands toward the heavens, I was momentarily transported back to that image. I envisioned her, a daughter stretching out her arms toward her heavenly Father, yearning to be lifted and cradled in His embrace. With music and voices all around in an atmosphere of worship, I could hear His gentle "I love you" whispered into my ear. In that fleeting moment, I realized that the offerings I brought to the King of kings were but tattered rags compared to His immeasurable holiness. Yet, in His boundless love, grace, and mercy, He chose me as one of His own.

Our Heavenly Father desires nothing more than for you to understand His profound love for you. He watches over you with a warm smile, taking delight in your existence because you are precious in His sight. "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!" (1 John 3:1). God is intimately aware of every intricate detail of your life, caring deeply about your joys and struggles. He stands beside you as you face challenges, eager to encourage you every step of the way. He longs for you to run into His arms, where you can find both rest and the assurance of His unwavering love.

What struck me most was how that daddy in my story extended his hands first, reminiscent of how our Heavenly Father reached out to us first. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, as a loving gesture, a divine invitation. Now, it's up to us to run into His embrace, where love awaits.