Make Papa Proud

In times of desperation and through the muddled chaos that surrounds you, do not forget the ultimate Being who created you in His image. How refreshing it is to think that we were made in the likeness of God. The omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, omnibenevolent (to name a few) has created a blue print of who we are predestined to be. Although each one of us is unique in so many ways, we are all brought into this world the same way--equipped with the desire to please our Heavenly Father. With free will, he allows us to choose between the life he has pre-determined for us (our blue print if you will) or the life that we create for ourselves. Which do you choose?

I decided to take a trip to Malibu this past Saturday with the initial intent of taking a long jog on the beach. I find that running helps me regain focus, especially in the midst of a storm (one that I have been trying to weather this past week). So, I started running towards a parking lot, an area I had never been before. Without a clue in my mind about where I was going, I continued until I reached a set of stairs in the sand that led me to a trail up the incline of a mountain. I started on this path a little nervous after noticing that no one else was around. I had a flashback of a conversation I had with a friend who told me that he ran into a mountain lion during one of his hikes up the mountains! However, I started reassuring myself that it is highly unlikely to find a mountain lion hanging out at the beach (or so I hoped)!

Trying to be bold, I started my journey along this trail. I noticed the daffodils that painted the pathway yellow. I then averted my eyes to the sky and noticed the seagulls spreading their wings as they spanned the clear, blue sky much like a kite rides the wind. I stopped at a point in my journey and rested at the edge of a cliff that overlooks the grandiose sea below. I began praying that God would reveal Himself to me. It was then that I reflected on a sermon that took place in church the night before. I found it amusing that the pastor referred to our Heavenly Father as "Papa" and how we should make "Papa proud". I started reflecting on how endearing it is to refer to Him as such and how I hoped that I made my Papa proud!

After some rest, I decided to continue. I came to a fork in the trail where one could either go further up the incline to the peak of the mountain or take the path of least resistance and head down the slope. I deciphered for a moment and then started to pray. I told God that I will persevere in reaching the top of the mountain, which symbolizes the trying quest I am willing to take in seeking after His heart. I followed a hummingbird that served as my guide and I almost effortlessly took long strides to the top. Needless to say, the atmosphere was breath-taking as I began surveying it all in 360 degree intervals. It was at this very moment that I began to lose my footing. I looked down to regain my balance and there written in the sand read "Papa".

I am ever so grateful for this encounter with God and I begin to wonder what if I had made the choice to travel down the path of least resistance? It is not always easy walking with the Lord, especially in today's society. However, the more you seek His presence, the more He will reveal Himself to you. I encourage each and everyone of us to take time out of our busy schedules for a one-on-one with God. You know you can't live without Him, so why do you try?

Nothing pleases "Papa" more than you longing to spend time with him. Nothing pleases "Papa" more than you desiring to be just like Him--an image of Him here on earth for the whole world to see. And when someone asks you, "Who do you favor?", you can say without a shadow of a doubt that you are your Papa's child. And yes, the more you favor Him, the more He favors you.
Now that's something to rejoice about!

P.S. The Lord put something on my heart today. "Keep your head up or you'll miss the beauty that surrounds you".

Amen!

Be blessed, Be Joyous, Be Fruitful, Keep your HEAD UP, and...

Stay Encouraged!!!