The Father Heart of God

One chilly evening, as the sun's final rays blessed the sky, I walked to my car ready to head home. I noticed a daddy with his shorty little son heading to the car parked right in front of mine. The little guy, who could not have been more than 2, was running around, keeping his dad on his toes as he tried to catch him and keep him out of harm's way. I noticed that they were both wearing warm, hand-made orange and blue beanies on their heads. As the little guy made a dash for some rocks, his daddy grabbed his arm and scooped him up, making them both howl with joy! I caught the daddy's eye and grinned, giving him a compliment on their matching hats. He turned around and put the little boy down. Then he opened up their black leather coats and showed me that they wore matching blue and white argyle sweaters, as well! Then he  looked down at his mini-me and said something that made my heart swell. With a great big smile, he took his son's hand in his own, stood up straight, and proclaimed, "I'm really proud. My chest is out to here!" 

I'll never forget that little glimpse of the Father Heart of God that I was witness to that evening. It got me thinking about who I am as God's own child and how He feels about me. My Heavenly Father is so proud of me as His child. He created me to be in His image. I don't know if I necessarily have His eyes or similar smile, but I do know that I take after His Heart. I take after the desire He has for loving people. I take after the compassion He has for those less fortunate, be they human or animal. I know that I have inherited His passion for beauty in art and music and  nature. My Father is an extraordinary story teller, which tells me why I have such a liking for excellent stories, both written and spoken. His heart adores kids. So does mine. My Father God and I are a lot alike. 

Just like that daddy's first priority was to protect his son, so is my Father's. He shelters me, comforts me, protects me, provides for me. He gives me space to run and play, but He is always right there to hold my hand or pick me up before I go crashing down. He keeps His eye always on me. There is real comfort in that thought. 

When that daddy puffed out his chest and stated how very proud he was, I believe he was saying two things:  

1. He was declaring how blessed he was to have that child. It was obvious that tiny guy was the apple of his eye.
2. He was stating how honored he was to be a dad. He evidently took his role seriously and thoroughly enjoyed it!

When God made Man, He said, "It is good." He is proud of His creation and takes every opportunity to declare how wonderful He thinks we, His children, really are. He showers us with blessings and love. He gives us boundaries and discipline. He corrects us and never sets us on a path that will lead us astray. Through Jesus, my Father has let me see how truly proud He is to be the One who not only made me but also adores me...

Little glimpses of Glory... Where will I find them next?