(Two years ago at this time, our middle daughter and her family were living with us. That was when I first shared this devotion. It makes me smile every time I think about it.)

Most mornings these days find me having breakfast with my three-year-old granddaughter, Micah and her nine-year-old brother, Malachi. I have been an early riser for most of my life, and I love breakfast, so I don’t mind making it for whoever else happens to get up. When my three daughters were young, I was the one who made their breakfast and ate with them on school days.

I have enjoyed spending this time with my grandkids, especially since up until now, they have not lived in Texas. Having them live with us while waiting for their house to be built nearby is a blessing. A trying one at times, but nonetheless a blessing.

On a recent morning, It was just Micah and I sitting together in the kitchen. Malachi was ill and not going to school that day. Everyone else was still in bed. So I sat and visited with her as she ate her cheerios and mini muffins. When she was done, she put down her spoon, looked at me and said, “Papa, hold me.” And of course, I did, my heart melting inside me. She snuggled up against me with her head on my shoulder. The joy I felt in that moment is hard to describe.

As I held that sweet little child of God in my arms, thinking about how happy that made me feel, I wondered if our heavenly Father feels the same kind of joy when we willingly spend time with Him and ask Him to hold us? I believe He does. We are his dearly loved children. He wants us to be with Him forever. That is why Jesus came to this earth, to earn our forgiveness and make it possible for us to be with our Maker for eternity, redeemed, restored and forgiven.

Even before we enter the bliss of heaven, our Father wants us to snuggle up with Him in our daily lives, talking to Him with our prayers and listening to Him in His Word. I feel His loving embrace when I do that in my life.

If you are not taking time each day to do that, I strongly urge you to do so. Simply ask, “Father, hold me.”