THE WARMTH OF A SMILE AND A FEELING OF PEACE

This Thanksgiving was fantastic! I had all of my children and grandchildren under one roof for the first time. It was also remarkable because there weren’t any fights or blowups, and everyone seemed to get along. That is not to say that some of the grandchildren didn’t have their “moments” where they didn’t listen. One of my grandchildren is exceptionally stubborn, so he got time-out several times.

I sat back and watched each of the grandchildren’s personalities and how they are each so unique. One is very quiet, two are always hyper, and they are always talking; one has become a teenager and is on the phone a lot, and the youngest is a mix. He is sometimes quiet, sometimes talkative and outgoing, and sometimes stubborn and moody.

When the youngest one is tired or sleepy, then he becomes moody and irritable. He doesn’t want anyone to talk to him when he is in this mood, and of course, that is when the other children decide to poke at him. He will turn his head and hide his face from them in hopes that they will leave him alone. If that doesn’t work, he will run from the room and get away from them.

Numbers 6:24-26

²⁴ “‘”The Lord bless you and keep you; ²⁵ the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; ²⁶ the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”‘

When I read this passage this morning, I thought about my youngest grandchild. When he is happy and in a good mood with everyone, he looks at them and smiles. But, when he is displeased with someone, he will turn his face from them or leave their presence altogether.

While I am talking about a small child in my analogy, I couldn’t help but wonder if the Lord reacts in the same way. When He looks down upon His children and is pleased, His face shines on us. He is like any proud parent, and He beams with joy while He is watching over us. His face turns toward us, He gives us His full attention, and we receive His peace.

I never want the Lord to turn His face from me, or even worse, leave my presence. The thought of that happening is enough to send cold chills down my spine.

We are all like small children, no matter what age your birth certificate shows. We can be moody, irritable, rebellious, stubborn, and there may be times when we get put in “time-out.” However, our Lord still loves us and welcomes us with open arms when we repent and ask for forgiveness.

I am so thankful that we have a good, good Father whose love for us is unwavering. Feeling the warmth of His face shining on us and having the peace that only the Lord can give is something that I never want to lose.

To God Goes the Glory!

Have A Blessed Day!