The expectant little boy

Dear friends

"When is he coming back," the little six-year-old boy kept asking his mom.

His dad had to go away for an extended period. The little boy missed him terribly and could not wait to see him.

Every day he would ask his mom the same question, "When is he coming? Is he coming today?"

The little boy would look for signs and hints that the daddy's return was near. For example, if he heard a car noise outside, he would excitedly run to the window to see if it was his beloved dad. If someone came to the door, he just knew it would be his dad.

Of course, the little boy was disappointed many times. The many car noises over the months were not him. The many people at the door were not him. However, the little boy never stopped looking and he never, ever gave up hope. He was SURE that one day his dad would come back!

And he did! One day the dad finally returned.

What did the dad do? Did he punish the little boy for expecting him for so long? Did he beat him for the many times he was wrong in thinking he was at the door?

You know the answer. The daddy hugged and kissed the little boy, pouring out his love on him, bringing him gifts, so thankful that the little boy loved him so much and so longed for his return. It was a time of joyous reunion, which the family celebrated with a special big dinner. The little boy was ecstatic with happiness, and so was the whole family.

Our heavenly daddy is ten trillion times more loving than any earthly daddy. It delights Him to see His children longing for Jesus' return. When He does come, He will not beat up or punish those who thought he would come at a certain time when He didn't. In fact, the expectancy makes Him happy! On the day that He finally does come, He will embrace and pour out His special love on all His children who were excitedly looking for Him. There will be joy and celebration. He will give gifts! In fact, "There is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day -- and not only to me, BUT ALSO TO ALL WHO HAVE LONGED FOR HIS APPEARING" (emphasis supplied, 2 Timothy 48, NIV).

That's our daddy!

The above taken from thoughts shared by dear friend Travis (Tex) Armstrong.

Jim