How 'ya doin', Daddy?

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 Read Galatians 4:5-7

We sat on the steps leading to the beach at a pristine northern Minnesota Lake. We were surrounded by tall Norway pines which swayed and whispered in the wind high above us. The sun sparkled on the clear water. There was beauty all around, but my attention was mostly drawn to my 2 1/2 year old grandson, Matthew.


Matthew had discovered a jumping spot - a place where railroad ties held back the sand and offered an 18" drop - perfect for a little boy to test his jumping skills.

After taking his first tentative leap, Matthew decided this was a very fun game, and circled back to the steps beside us, approached the ledge, and jumped again. Over and over, he made the circle. However, he added one step as he repeated his leap. Each time he came to the ledge, he patted his daddy's head, sweetly asked, "How 'ya doin', Daddy?" and then jumped.

Sometimes he landed on his feet, sometimes on his knees, and a few times, he almost face-planted in the sand. But every time, he stopped and check in with his father before making the jump.

I love what kids can teach us, even when they aren't trying. What if you and I also made it a habit to touch base with our Father before taking a leap? If we spend our lives running in circles and leaping blindly into the next thing, we will face-plant more times than we will land on our feet. What if, when we land on our knees, we stay there for a while and talk things over with our loving, all-knowing father, who has a plan and purpose for our lives? 

Let us remember to check in with God on a daily basis in our lives, look into His eyes, and steady ourselves on His shoulder before leaping into our day.

What reminder do you need in order to check in with God on a daily basis? I invite you to set up that reminder and make the change starting today.

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