RUN!

We had pulled into the driveway and exited our car. My youngest grandson, Brogan, had been in the backyard playing with his brothers and sisters. He noticed our arrival from a distance. At that moment, he changed. He stood to his feet and ran, arms outstretched, as fast as his little legs would take him, through the backyard, past the house, into the front yard until he reached me and threw his little arms around my legs in a tight embrace.

Amazement, wonder, delight, love, affection — words are simply not adequate for the emotions that flooded through me at that moment.  That little boy blessed me beyond measure. As I type this, tears return to my eyes at the memory.  Wow.

Since that day, I’ve been pondering and re-enjoying that moment again and again. You see, when Brogan ran to me, his action and demeanor said, “You are important to me. I am so excited to see you. I love you. I enjoy you. I want to be with you.”

As I ponder, the Holy Spirit is working. He reminds me of something Jesus said, quoted in Luke 18:16, “For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.”

So, I have to wonder . . . How am I relating to my God? How do I enter into His presence when I have my devotional time? Has this time with him become a ritual, has my delight in Him faded?  Is He important to me? Am I excited to be with Him?

We used to sing this song:

“Blessed are the people whose God is the Lord

Blessed are those who trust in Him.

Blessed are the people whose God is the Lord

All praise be to our God, the Rock!

Mighty is He to tear down strongholds,

Mighty is He to build a city

A great defender of the righteous,

And everyone who will run to Him”

(Blessed are the People, Ted Sandquist, © 1986 Psalm of Life Music)

“The name of the LORD is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.” (Proverbs 18:10)

O Lord, I stir up my heart toward you. Thank you for this special reminder. I will search for you. I will run to you. I love you. Help me to love you more and more.