The Little Man

Delicious aromas wafted through nostalgic oldie songs, the growl of grinding coffee beans, and buzzing octaves of conversations. Within this happy cacophony, a tiny, blonde boy swayed to his own tune, his sneaker-clad feet carrying him towards a glass door. What did he see? A bright grin lit his face, and his eyes sparkled. Absorbed in his own adventure, the little man marched with an air of confidence, seemingly unaware of his father’s close footsteps behind.

Sitting in a plush chair a dozen feet away, the boy’s mother watched. Suddenly, the young one pivoted, boomeranged straight back to her, and climbed into her lap. After his father spoke a few words and strode towards another part of the coffee shop, the little man abruptly slid from his mother’s embrace. Unwilling to be left behind, he pattered after his father, and his mother shadowed him.

The coffee shop brimmed with patrons mingling and chatting as they waited for their orders. Some precariously balanced rimless plates of quiche or bags of pastries as they sipped frothy drinks and claimed cushy chairs. Others settled at small round tables, or sat working at designated computer stations. Every few minutes more people came through the door, and though the little man bobbed like a cork through his engulfing sea of tall folks, few acknowledged his presence.

Undeterred when his father disappeared from view, the boy focused as if searching for his daddy’s invisible footsteps. Each time he veered off course, his mother gently turned his shoulders to redirect him. Always without fuss, he’d swivel and traipse on, grinning with anticipation. Then, with his mother in tow, he wobbled around the corner out of sight, following in the wake of his father.

What joy to watch this delightful family and their wonderfully intent, curious, obedient child. A microcosm of love, protection, and trust, they reminded me of God’s ever-present love and care for His children, of one journeying in faith through this busy world, and of the inherent joy found in simply following the Father.

When I consider my own journey I’m curious about yours. How has God shown up in your life? Where have you seen evidences of Him? Though we might struggle and wobble trying to follow our Father, He abides with us. We are never alone.

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LORD, thank You for Your amazing love and grace. For Your personal care, provision, protection, and guidance every day. Thank You for being close, no matter where we are. For rejoicing with us, and for comforting us in our distresses. Thank You, Abba Father, for Your patience, the indwelling of Your Holy Spirit, and Your Son to show us the way. Grant us, please, hearts of obedience, anticipation, and gratitude as we follow after You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Psalm 32:8 NIV “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”

Deuteronomy 31:8 NLT “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

Psalm 23:6 NLT “Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.”