I'm a Daddy's girl. I'll admit it. Growing up, I couldn't wait for my dad to show up, scoop me in his arms, and dance with me. He'd pull me aside to listen to a song or play his electric guitar like a pro.
As I've grown, I still look up to him. He's been through so much. If you could hear his story, it'd move you...but I digress.
He's a wonderful man, and I idolize him even as an adult. But that dynamic has changed a lot. He makes mistakes. He's passionate and rash, forgiving to a fault. A lot of my best character traits I get from him. But he's extremely busy. Between being a full-time pastor and farmer (he raises free range chickens and grass-fed beef: Beutler Farms), we don't get to spend a lot of time together.
This Wednesday, I was working at our church's daycare, and we were out on the playground. He strides out the door and jumps up on the picnic table and gives me a big hug.
Now, from the man who calls me "Dear" this isn't out of character. The thing is we haven't spent much time together lately, so when he came over, I expected he wanted to chat with me about something serious or needed my help. Maybe he was displeased with me about something. The great thing about my dad is he isn't afraid of confrontation, so if something comes up, he'll tell me.
But the man grins at me, wraps his arm around my shoulder, and squeezes hard. My heart warmed instantly. I don't know how I'd been feeling, but one embrace made me so happy. I almost cried. Life is hard right now. My baby boy, my kindergartener, is doing well in school and growing up. My twin 3yos are such a handful. And my hubby's gone a lot between his commute to Purdue every other weekend and his huge homework and career load. One little hug from my dad made all that stress go away. I felt loved, cared for, in a way that required absolutely nothing from me.
On my way to Starbucks today, I heard a song by Chris Tomlin called "Good Father." Essentially it comes down to that He is our good father--that's who He is, and I am loved by Him--that's who I am.
I thought about my father's hug yesterday, and how I'd expected stern and serious talking. But he just wanted a hug. He just wanted to check on me and tell me he loves me. (geez, now I'm crying...lol)
How often do I expect God to keep His distance--He's busy--until there is something serious to talk about? But what if I have it backwards, just like I did with my own dad. What if all He wants is a hug, a chat, a loving word with his beloved child? (Ah! More tears)
I believe He does. I have faith in Him--belief with expectation. If my human father--who is far from perfect--loves me this much, how much more does my Heavenly Father love me?
That's the whisper He put in my heart today. I hope you hear it, too. :)
