“And because you are sons, God has sent the spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba, father!’ So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and an heir through God.” Galatians 4:6-7

Sometimes God has just the best timing to use things in our lives to help us get to a deeper understanding of Him. For me, it was when I was having a regular quiet time, reading the daily section in my one year Bible reading plan. At the same moment as I read the above verse, I heard a loud voice calling for, “PAPA!”

That voice, artificially amplified by the baby monitor, was my second daughter calling out for her father from her crib as she awoke a little earlier than expected. Mariel loves her papa so much. His name is her favorite word. Even though he has usually left for work before she wakes up, she still calls for him, hoping he will come rescue her from her bed. Throughout the day, if she happens to bump a toe, lose a toy, or just need some attention, she calls for “papa!” Sometimes he calls during the day and when I hand her the phone, she drops every toy in her hand to talk to him.

When he gets home…oh, the joy! She runs to the stairs, literally shaking with excitement, and screeches PAPAPAPAPAPAPAPA with her arms stretched out to him. And that joy is mutual! He picks her up, swings her around, and plants kisses all over her sweet cheeks.

It melts my heart seeing the love. How sweet its! What a glimpse of the Father’s heart for us! When she needs help, she calls for Papa. As should I.

Lord, thank you for giving us the ability to call you father. May I love you with the trust, innocence and abandon as a child calling for her Papa.