The young child skipped along the rocky trail. Frequently during the afternoon walk she turned her face upward to steal a glance at her Father. Their eyes met. They shared a secret joy. He squeezed her tiny hand securely and she squeezed back. Such was the act of trust born of love.

The trail made a steady climb. Shadows lengthened in the afternoon sun. Overhead, bluejays chattered as they flitted from branch to branch on the evergreen canopy. The child giggled. She let loose of her Father’s hand and began to dance with abandon. Spinning and twirling, twirling and laughing, she threw back her head, closed her eyes, and thrust her hands high into the air. Her bliss filled the forest stage.

“Look out for that fallen stump,” her Father called.

But the child was caught up in her world of celebration and did not heed her Father’s call. Her feet became tangled in the unexpected branches blocking the path. Down she went. She sprawled across the joy-stopper, pine needles poking at her face. Her Father ran to her. He scooped her up, lifting her high above the rocky path and the place of stumbling.

“Daddy, why did you let me fall? You could have stopped me! Why did you let go of my hand?” the young girl said. Her accusations stormed the heart of her adoring Father.

“But, child, you let go of my hand. You ran ahead of me. I called out a warning, but you were too far ahead of me to hear.”

The young girl scrunched her face. Her bottom lip protruded and a single tear escaped her hazel eyes. “I’m sorry, ” she said. “I know you didn’t make me fall. You were right there to pick me up and make sure I was okay.” She sneaked a peak into her Father’s eyes and caught her own reflection. “I see…me,” she said. Her brows furrowed as she cocked her head slightly to the right. “You always told me I was the apple of your eye.” Biting her bottom lip, she said, “I love you.”

As always, her Father’s eyes were upon her. His presence beside her. Watching. Caring. Loving.
As always, His eyes are upon you. His presence beside you. Watching. Caring, Loving.

Psalm 73:22-26, “I was so foolish and ignorant; I was like a beast before You. Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.

 “Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire beside You. My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

Father, Your promises are sure, Your love unfailing. Thank You for ALWAYS being beside us, holding our hand, calling out warnings when we run ahead of You. Open our eyes to see You with us. Your Spirit dwells within us. We know this because of Jesus. But awaken our understanding to realize that, just as You are in us, we are IN You – Your Presence. Praise Your Name Lord. You will NEVER leave us, nor forsake us. You are with us always, even to the ends of the earth. Bless Your Holy Name! We love You, Lord.
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I’m filling up my speaking calendar for spring. Wouldn’t it be fun to get together to share God’s Word and His amazing love? No group is too small. No group is too large. Every heart is precious to the Lord. Please visit my website at Nan Jones for more information, or you may contact me directly at nan@jubilantlight.com.
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If you received Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory page. I discovered a new recording artist and worship leader, Aaron Keyes. You will be blessed and encouraged as he sings, “Sovereign Over Us”.