I scooped Malia into my arms as if my heart had a powerful magnet in it. My three-year-old granddaughter is vibrant, full of imagination, and exceedingly comfortable in the arms of her Pops.
Malia’s mind danced and raced even as her lips battled to keep pace. She told me stories… some based in fact, some based in glorious childish visions, but all so clearly real.
Her expressions explored as her eyes lit up. Her soul was full and the comfort and familiarity of “the platform” provided the perfect stage from which to perform her finest work. She was in arms that she knew and trusted.
Malia’s face communicated as vividly as her words. She talked about experiences, interactions and conversations with family members and Disney characters in one crisp and cogent succession. Her emotions tangled with her words as she relayed with the proper inflection each and every encounter.
Time was immaterial… an experience from three weeks before was just as appropriate as one that had taken place only minutes ago, and she wove them together seamlessly.
Malia electrified my heart… even as she cast a brilliant and powerful and focused light on truth… biblical truth.
She asked no questions about the state of the economy or the ballooning national debt; she seemed to care little about the present position of the Dow or the S&P for that matter. Deteriorating credit ratings seemed to have little bearing on the trajectory of her story or her day or her life. She didn’t ponder the political implications of riots in London or military conflicts in Iraq, or Afghanistan, or Libya. Malia didn’t wonder about who the Broncos were starting at quarterback, or which pitcher would take the mound for the Rockies or the Royals or the Phillies. She had no concern about the next decade or the next day. Her demands were simple and straightforward… they were unencumbered by worry… she wanted strong arms.
Her trust is warranted. For I would defend and guard her to the end. I would protect her and would only subject her to pain that was for her good.
In my arms…
Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them. And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” ~ Luke 18:15-17 (ESV)
Chaos, unrest, turmoil, evil, uncertainty… are no match for the arms of our King.
We simply have no idea how much He loves us… and how very, very strong He is. But I’m learning… every day. From Malia… to the heart of God.
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