Daddy

Recently I was eating lunch at a local food court and was drawn to a woman and a little girl at a nearby table. The little girl's age I guessed to be four, maybe five. She was very animated as she talked with the woman and ate her chicken nuggets. It was a very sweet sight and reminded me of my own daughter when she was that age.
While devouring my chicken sandwich I looked up and observed the most wonderful scene. The little girl had turned her head into the mall corridor and her face was alight with joy at whatever or whoever she glimpsed in that direction.
I was captivated by the joy so evident on her face and which was now affecting her entire body..she was bouncing in her chair! She finally couldn't contain herself and jumped down from her chair and began running..I turned my head toward the direction of her run and then one tall man in jeans, a red shirt and baseball cap upon his head appeared and two long arms reached out and scooped this little darling up and into an embrace only a daddy can give!
By this time the twosome had moved directly in front of my table. The man's back was toward me and the only expression I could see was that of that little girl, head buried into the crook of his neck ...pure love is what I saw.
It made me think of our heavenly Daddy, and how He reaches out to me with His powerful arms with an embrace like no other when I run to Him.
It reminded me that as Paul exhorted the Philippian believers , that when I "Rejoice always...I can let my forebearing spirit be known to all, for He, the Lord, is near. I can be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let my requests be made known to Him. And His peace, which surpasses all understanding will guard my heart and my mind in Christ Jesus." (verses 4:4-7 paraphrased)
The little girl at the Food Court was content and secure in her daddy's arms...savoring just being held in his loving embrace.
When I'm tempted in the future to be discontent and fearful in my circumstances...this scene in my memory will remind me where my contentment lies....and I will run as fast as I can into my Savior's arms!
Will you? It's my prayer
Judy