Exuberance for God (seen in soccer)

Last fall, we went to my daughter’s soccer game. One of her teammates came running off the field to a big man who was standing up. She ran full speed ahead into his arms, and he lifted her up in a big hug. He put her down and smiled at her as they spoke. You could tell he loved her and was pleased to be with her. Then she jumped up into his arms again and acted silly with the carefree abandon that children have, especially in the arms of someone they love and trust.

That is how God welcomes us, joyfully and exuberantly. He scoops us up into His arms. He smiles at us as we speak to Him because He loves us and enjoys our presence. And because we love Him too, we too should approach Him like this child, full speed ahead, arms out, with complete trust and playful, carefree abandon.

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”  Matt. 19:14