More than any Toy

At Paradigm last week Nate was praying about how God wants/accepts us just as we are and how we don’t need to do anything ‘first’ before we can run into His arms. There is nothing we can do to ‘prepare’ or make ourselves more acceptable for Him; He is always there waiting. This brought a really cool analogy to my mind that I thought I would share.

Tatum knows the sound of the garage door opening and she knows that sound means that Daddy is home. And this little princess loooves her Daddy- she gets so excited when he gets home from work. (Side note, on really windy days a big gust can occasionally blow against the door just right to make it sound like its opening, and Tatum gets really excited about seeing Daddy. And I have to be the bad guy and tell her he isn’t home yet. Breaks my heart each time.) SO, back to the point. We are usually playing together in the living room when Brian gets home in the afternoons, and no matter what we are doing Tatum stops immediately to prepare for seeing daddy. This involves running to her toys and digging through them to pick out just the right one that will make Daddy happy. Sometimes it takes her a minute to find the right toy (different each time) so Brian is already inside the door and waiting for her when she digs it out and runs to him. Of course, Daddy always acts really happy about the toy and thanks her. But, honestly, Brian is not interested in the toy…he is excited to see his baby girl and to love on her. Nothing she could possibly bring him could make him any more excited about picking her up and kissing on her. But in Tatum’s sweet mind, she wants to bring Daddy a gift to make him happy. And often, her preparations delay her getting into his arms since he is standing there waiting as she excitedly digs for a toy.

What a simple picture of how our Heavenly Father loves us and longs to hold us. He is patient as we attempt to do things that we think will please Him. But, more than anything, He wants us to run into his arms. Nothing we can do could make us worthy of His love; but how much time to we waste trying? Instead of just running into his arms.

So, what things in your life are you waiting to accomplish or obtain before you can truly reach out to your Father?