Just Because

The other day I was caught by surprise. It was one of those small things in life that brightened my entire day. I was busy with my daily chores when my son came around the corner with a big smile on his face. He walked right up to me and gave me a huge hug. After returning the hug, I stepped back and looked in his sweet face. I waited for the request I knew was sure to come.

When my son was younger, he loved to climb up on my lap. We would spend time snuggled up-talking, reading, and simply enjoying the time we had together. Although he blossomed in the attention he received from me, the affection was not one sided. My son got so much pleasure in showering me with love. My old journal has evidence of those days tucked within its pages. A dried flower he brought to me. A simple drawing he made of us. Special things he did to show me he loved me.

Over the years, as my son grew toward independence, things began to slowly change. His kisses all but disappeared. The tokens of affection I received were far less. His attention toward me became more self-serving. He needed me to drive him here and there. He needed me to wash his favorite shirt. Although his need of me was very obvious, his love for me was not. The hugs and kisses I did receive usually accompanied a request of some kind. I found myself longing for the days when his affection was given freely and without motive.

I couldn't help but wonder if my heavenly Father feels the same. How often do I take time to curl up on His lap just because of my desire to spend time with Him and shower Him with love? When I am honest, I must admit that I most often go to Him with needs and requests. While He knows I love Him, I wonder if He longs for days past when I was more giving with my affections.

How about you? Has your relationship with Christ lost its original passion and turned into something more self-serving? When was the last time you came to Him for no other reason but to spend time with Him and shower Him with love? While God doesn't begrudge our needs and petitions, He delights in a heart that comes to Him in purest worship and adoration.

I have made a renewed commitment to take time to daily curl up on His lap. He deserves more from me than a quickly spoken word of love coupled with yet another request. He alone is worthy of my greatest affection and praise. In addition, the affection is never one-sided. I find that in His lap I blossom the most. I always leave fuller than when I came.