This sweet boy is my nephew Landon. The big sweet guy holding him is my daddy, his Papa. Landon hasn’t had an easy go of it lately. He’s been in the hospital more than any little guy should during his short 13 years. But when you look at this picture, the first thing you notice is that big smile on Landon’s face. The reason for his smile…Papa. Landon loves his Papa. He lights up when he sees him. Papa is his most favorite person in the whole wide world. “Papa” is one of the handful of words that he can say and is his favorite word to sign. If I’m ever around Landon and Papa isn’t with me, Landon starts right away making the Papa sign and dragging me to the door. He associates me with his Papa and knows that where I am, Papa is usually close by. There is an unconditional love between Landon and his Papa. The most pure and sweet kind of love. Landon has no expectations of Papa. He just wants Papa’s attention and time. He doesn’t realize it, but in return, Landon gives us all so much. Look at this kid’s joy. It’s just contagious when these two get together.
Lately I’ve been thinking about these two and how it compares with my relationship to my heavenly “Papa.” Do I love him unconditionally and expect nothing in return? I can do better with that. Sometimes my expectations of happiness, prosperity, etc get in the way of my unconditional love. Am I full of joy and excitement during my quiet time with the heavenly father? Am I happy just to be in his presence and be close to him or do I rush through my time with him so I can get to the next thing on my list? My sweet Daddy always stops what he’s doing to be there for Landon. Do I do that for God? I can do better. Do others associate me with my heavenly father like Landon associates me with his Papa? Can they tell that I am one of his and that I’ll do my best to bring them in his presence as well by what I say or do? I can do better.
Dear Lord,
Help others to grab onto me to get to you. Let them associate me with you in all that I do and say. May I enjoy just to be in your presence and expect nothing in return. Thank you for two of my favorite guys. Thank you for their example of your love in my life and the lives of those around them. Continue to bless them both and their relationship with each other.
Amen.
Psalm 36:7 English Standard Version (ESV)
7 How precious is your steadfast love, O God!
The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
Elizabeth Doan is married to her hubby David for 14 years. Mother to four wonderful kiddos: Sam (10), Sarah (8), Evie Joy (4), and Sadie Rose (6 months). Homeschooling Momma for 4 years with 17 years to go! Elizabeth’s favorite quote in the whole wide world is: “Life is frittered away by details. Simplify, simplify.” -Henry David Thoreau