Delight in Daddy

"Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."
                                                             Matthew 18:4


      Yesterday was Doug's birthday and for his present each of our kids painted him a canvas. They toiled hard at their work and each was so proud, I have never seen them concentrate so much. Soon Parker and Georgia were satisfied with their creations and went off to play. I wandered off to do laundry and awhile later came back to check on things. Ravenna was delightfully still painting. She looked up at me and said, "Mama, God made me an artist and I am going to make my best creation for my Daddy."

Parker's painting

      She worked and worked...three hours and layer upon layer of paint went into this piece of art. She wanted to skip dinner, let the other kids play with her favorite toys...all because she was so wrapped up in making her best for her Daddy in whom she delights. She stayed up late and at a little after 5 am the next morning (Doug's birthday), I awoke to a little person whispering in my ear, "I just have to do one more thing for Daddy." We again got out the paints and with a dramatic flourish, she added two little blue lines on the top of the painting, and then went back to her room to curl up in bed and sleep some more.

Georgia's picture (sorry it's sideways)

      I have been thinking and thinking about Ravenna and this gift. It was with such delight and love that she poured herself into the making and giving. How often do I take the time, the joy, the delight to give in such a way for my Daddy King?
     I wish you could have been there to see Doug open his gifts. Each child was so proud as he "oooed" and "ahhed" over their creations. Ravenna grabbed her present and waited, wanting to be last. Then she snuggled up on Doug's lap, wiggling in anticipation as he unveiled her masterpiece. You could just see her soaking up the joy as Doug took in her painting, nothing else mattered at that moment for her. It was just she and her Daddy delighting in each other. For her, it was just pure joy to serve her Daddy who she loved. I found myself late last night "lounging" a bit longer in the delight of my Father and fell asleep just wanting more than anything to give and serve with that joy.

Ravenna's masterpiece (a picture of our family)!!