There was no place like it.
When I was scared, confused, hurt, or sad, I would visit often.
I was encouraged and welcomed to climb up to the safest place I knew.
My daddy’s lap.
His lap was comforting. It was as if it was meant just for me. As his arms would wrap around my tiny frame, I knew I belonged.
It was the safest place to be.
Nothing could hurt me there.
No bad thing could happen.
My heart would rest in safety and security.
All fears would disappear, confusion would flee, and life would become good again.
I wonder if Dad enjoyed those moments as much as I did. My only regret is not staying there longer.
The last time I sat on his lap, something had changed. What was always comfortable, had become awkward. My legs dangled. My frame didn’t fit where I always sat. His arms couldn’t hold me like they used to. It just wasn’t the same.
I had grown. Grown too big for my daddy’s lap.
That was a monumental day. I recall the emotions, and the sadness of the reality that my safe place could no longer be.
My simple thoughts questioned, “Where can I go now? How am I ever going to feel safe again when I’m scared? What am I going to do when I’m sad and confused? How am I going to handle being hurt? The only place I’ve known is now too small for me.”
Looking back over my life, I see all the ways I tried to find that security. The things and people and places I sought to keep me safe. Come to find out, none of them felt like Daddy’s lap. Not one. They only left the gaping hole bigger with emptiness, desolation, and greater pain.
It wasn’t until I came face-to-face with the reality that I would never find the safety and security I longed for in the things and people of this world, that my heart was opened to the love of my Father, my Heavenly Father.
I began to experience a love I had never experienced before. Even though I couldn’t feel physical arms, I knew I was being held. The lap wasn’t something I needed to climb on any longer, but one that I rested in daily. I found true security and peaceful safety in giving my Father my concerns, my hurts, my confusions, my sadness. I finally found what I was looking for.
Protect me, God, for the only safety I know is found in the moments I seek You. Psalm 16:1 (The Voice)
Just like my daddy’s lap: A place where I would always belong. Where I could stay for as long as I wanted, and I would never be turned away. A place of safety.
Except this lap I would never outgrow.
Friend, where are you seeking your safety and security? It may not make logical sense to look for it in Someone you can’t “see,” but trust me, He sees you. God is with you. He is for you and not against you. In Him you’ll find what you’ve been looking for.
May you and I rest in the safety of His arms today.
Much love,
Julie
It’s #livefreeThursday! Linking up this post with Suzie Eller and friends.
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Julie, this takes me to a warm place. My Dad was a tall, strong man. He could pick me up with the greatest ease and snuggle as if every single inch of me was protected. As we grow older and realize that our parents are human just like anyone else, Heavenly Father makes all the difference in the world. Thank you for sharing today!
Such a similar story with our dads! You blessed me by sharing a piece of you and your story here. Thank you. God bless you this week, Meg!
Julie, this is the place I long to start each day…in my Father’s arms. Oh, how I you touched my emotions thinking about sitting on my own daddy’s lap and feeling safe and secure. And I can testify to the fact that only God can give me that same comfort. An even greater comfort, for He is always with me. So thankful!
Amen, Sabra. The greatest comfort of all in our Father’s arms. I’m humbled and thankful you shared your thoughts here. You’re a blessing, Sabra!
One of my favorite places is in the presence of my Father. <3 Thanks, Julie!
I agree, Suzie! Thank you for stopping over and for hosting #livefreeThursday!
Love that we will never be too big or too old for our heavenly Father’s lap! #livefreeThursday
Amen!!
This is so beautiful, Julie. I love the way you describe the love of the Father and how we never outgrow his this safe place. That song my Phil Wickham is one of my favorites. So glad I visited here today. I hope you’re having a wonderful time biking across Iowa.
Thank you, Abby. It’s a gift to have you here. Thank you for your words and for your encouragement. God bless you this week, my friend!
I love this rendition of Psalm 16:1. Beautifully put. (Stopping over from #livefree today.) Blessings!
Thank you, Cindy! I’m so glad you stopped over. God bless you in the week ahead!