While walking in the mall, I came across a beautiful little girl. She captured my attention immediately and it only took a moment for me to realize that she was walking all alone. This child was no older than two and there was no adult in sight. This little girl boldly walked towards my direction, her face lit up from the excitement of exploring. It took just a second for her to register caution that she had no parent in sight, but as quick as concern crossed her face it was gone and she was again on an adventure.
I began looking for an adult right away and as I watched her, I noticed there was nobody. I had decided to approach her and make sure she was safely delivered to her parent or security. It was then that the father of this little one stepped from the corner of a nearby store. With his eyes only leaving his little girl for a second, he looked at me and smiled.
With his gaze directed back at her, he patiently watched the exploring escapade through the window and stated simply;
” I want to see, just how far she will go.”
Keep in mind that while this little one appeared to be completely alone, her father was never really more than a few feet away. We just didn’t see him.
It reminded me with a smile of my own that the heavenly father often tests my heart and allows me to have my way. He lets me discover things on my own. He is always there if I turn to look and if I call, but sometimes He allows me to discover His world for myself.
Sometimes these results are not always peaceful, often sheer panic will cross my face and I will call to Him. The awesome thing is, I know He is ALWAYS there.
I pray that one day when all is said and done, He can say that during the times of Him testing my heart and watching me learn that I made Him proud with my decisions. I do know there are times I had failed because I did not call out when I should have but He is always there for me to return. For I know He will never leave me nor forsake me.
It is in this revelation that I know, apart from my Father, there is no FULLNESS of joy.
Following the ‘steps’ of joy, will lead freedom but not a FULLNESS of joy.
Challenge this day my friend: Let’s make sure we are not running so far ahead of Him that we don’t hear Him. Continually know His eyes are on you, He is there for you and will never leave. Have joy in HIM today. Experience the FULLNESS of joy through the Father.
Psalm 16:11-
You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Shaey anthony 