Let's Run Instead

As I sit on a bench up at the park, I glance up from my page and notice a little boy and his father playing on the swings. They look perfect together- the little boy a beautiful resemblance of his dad. Their eyes match. Their hair both the color of sun-kissed sand. I watch as the boy hops down from the swing and reaches for the hands of his father, who gladly stoops to hold him. He looks into the brilliant blue eyes of his little boy and says softly, “it’s time to go home.” As they stand, the boy tugs gently at his dad’s pant leg, adoringly gazing up at him. “Carry me on your shoulders, daddy”, he pleads. But the father smiles and shakes his head, clasping the tiny hand of his son in his own and says, “how about we run together instead?” And they do, the strong arms of the father gently upholding his little boy as they run side by side.

***

I cannot help but wonder... is it not the same with our Father? Does not the Creator of man desire to run along side His children as we continue this human race? We are often like that little boy, pulling on our Daddy’s pant leg and begging Him to carry us on His shoulders, when He would so much rather run beside us and help us stand. He delights in taking hold of our hand, and with His almighty strength, pulling us along. We should not expect to be leisurely carried through this whole life. We have to have our feet on the ground, running the race. And we have to know that our Father is able, more than able, He who comes to Earth and willingly runs at our side.