When Heaven Smiles

"I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast, and when I run, I feel God's pleasure."
-Eric Liddell

Wow. What an earth shattering statement. If you've never seen the movie Chariots of Fire, or read the story of Eric Liddell you have missed out. It is an amazing story that stirs the soul and causes my heart to turn toward God. What kind of faith in God did he have? What kind of relationship did he have with God that he could sense God's joy in him?

As an amazing and unique person in all of humankind, you were created with specific skills, special talents, amazing gifts, and a purpose designed by your Abba in Heaven. [Did you know that Abba really means Daddy (so I've been told)?]

What is it that you enjoy doing? Let me re-phrase, what is it that you do, when you are in the midst of doing it, that you feel light, joyous, right, happy, excited, encouraged, thankful...? Perhaps, that is related to what your purpose in life is. Maybe it is what you were meant to do.

What is the highlight of your day and why? The highlight of my day is coming home.

No matter how bad the day went, how badly I screwed up, whether I got "it" done or not, whether I was the best that I could be - I know that when I come through that door, there are four young voices, and the voice of my wife, that will greet me with squeals of delight. I hope that you can identify with what I'm saying, even if you have no children of your own, perhaps you have observed a child greeting their mommy or daddy.

The sky could be cloudy, my heart could be down, my legs and back may be exhausted but when my dear ones throw their arms around my neck their happiness becomes mine. I never feel more alive than when my family greets me, holds me, and they tell me unconditionally that they love me. Oh the smiles that come unbidden to my face!

From the story of the prodigal son, Jesus gives us a picture of how God the Father views us...
"...But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him(v20)...the father said to his servants...Let's have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found. So, they began to celebrate." Luke 15:20, 22-24

Joy inexpressible sounds cliche doesn't it? I know what that overwhelming mingled sense of joy, happiness, pleasure, and connectedness feels like towards my children. How much more does God want that from me? It is simply breathtaking that as a father, I am still a child.

All praise, glory, and honor to God who draws me to Himself, calls me son, and graciously allows me to remain here for His pleasure. May I feel the Son-shine of His smile upon my life. There is no better place to be then in the warmth of the Risen Son, seeking to bring a smile upon the face of my heavenly Daddy!