Collections of Affections

A good friend of mine and past mentor gave me one of the most precious gifts to celebrate our little girl. She had gathered about 5 different kinds of stationary, a frilly pen, and a cute pink lined basket. She told me, "I know that you love to write so I believe this gift is perfect for you." I want you to write letters to your daughter as she grows up. I jumped on the idea, it was right up my alley!


When I sat down to write my third letter this week, my thoughts began to drift upward. This mundane activity was a reflection of a heavenly principle. Piper was sound asleep in her crib. She had no idea that I was right beside her or that I was writing to her. My heart beats a million and one beats a minute for this daughter of mine. I am enthralled with her, I get lost in her eyes - literally, I get hooked and time just passes. She is a small child that offers me nothing more than wet diapers, spit up, and the constant need for food from me - and only me! She is a helpless child, but she brings me greater joy than I could imagine. I adore my daughter. Piper, on the other hand, is unable to comprehend this great love. It is such a complex idea. The breadth of her knowledge right now consists in knowing me, her daddy, and the scents, sounds, and feelings she experiences within our home. 


Piper is unaware that I am writing to her, thinking about her, dreaming for her and also penning these collections of my affections. She is being bathed in my affections, yet she continues to sleep on without a care in the world. The heart of our Heavenly Father is the same for us. While we breathe in and out each day, we are often unaware of the nearness of his presence. He is near (James 4:8). Not only is his presence within arms reach, but he dotes over us. After knitting us together (Psalm 139:13), he ordained our days before one of them came to be ( Psalm 139:16), then he redeems us, summons us by name and says, "You are Mine"( Isaiah 43:1). God is relentless for the world to know his affections. He longs to wake us up, look into our eyes and speak softly into our ear, "you are mine, you are mine - I love you."

I am looking forward to more moments of parenting that unveil the heart of Jesus.


For more thoughts on Jesus' affections for you read: Abba's Child by Brennan Manning