Last month many people celebrated Valentine’s Day with hearts and flowers and expressions of love. As one holiday season lingers on in our consciousness or a new holiday approaches, all kinds of emotions are stirred and often etched on the surface of our minds. This morning, in the midst of one of those sensitive moments, I reached for a box of tissues on a stand that holds my printer paper, but the box slipped down the the floor.
As I stooped to pick it up, I saw a paper object caught between the stand and my desk. I reached to retrieve what turned out to be a photograph of me sitting in the lap of my father. I’d seen this photo some time ago but only a much larger version. I don’t know where this small 3×4 inch picture came from! It must have slipped out from a stack of letters.
“My Father, who has given them [His followers] to Me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.”
(John 10:29 ESV)
My father divorced my mother when she was pregnant with me and he moved to Honolulu, Hawaii. This photograph was taken on one of his rare visits back to the mainland. I was about five years old at the time.
A month or so ago, I wrote a blog post about “end times.” At the end of the post I wrote: “For some people, the talk of ‘end times’ or ‘the Second Coming’ is frightening. If that is you, snuggle up in the arms of your heavenly Father and tell Him your fears. His love will wash them away!” This photograph of me safe in my father’s arms surely embodies the security and contentment we as God’s children can experience today and for all eternity.
Lord, thank you for the “gift” of this photograph, a reminder of Your ever-present love!
What “gifts” have you received today?
If you see a post that sparks your interest, please feel free to respond! I’d love to hear from you!