Growing up in my family we gave a hug with every goodbye. You didn’t think about it. You just did it. For some forgotten reason my dad gave me a ride to school one day in Jr. High. As we pulled up to the school, I saw the friends I usually walked with waiting for me. Instead of giving my dad his quick hug, I just scooped up my books and got out of the car.
Like a moment frozen in time, I have never forgot the look on my dad’s face. He was turned slightly towards me with his arms open waiting for my embrace that never came.
I wonder how many times our Heavenly Father waits with His arms open expecting our embrace. How often do we turn from Him because we worry what the world may think? Isaiah 40:11 reminds us,
He tends His flock like a shepherd. He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart.
Our Lord wants to hold us in His arms. That’s where we belong. Don’t deny your Father the embrace we all need!