So, I thought I should write this down. Today, I had one of those important life lessons. Lysha and Jadyn returned from a weekend trip to Indianapolis, for the Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Walk, and so I had the weekend here at home to myself. Needless to say, though, I was so happy to see them return home. There’s something, mostly love, that makes a man really miss his family when it’s been several days since he’s last seen them. It’s an amazing feeling, actually.
The weekend was a good one, but it tired Lysha out so much that she went straight in for a nap, upon her return home this evening. So, [a very, very tired, cranky] Jadyn and I ate together, and watched a couple VeggieTales films. Before starting “God Made You Special”, Jadyn climbed up on the couch, walked over on top of me, and proceeded to lay down on me, as if I was her new bed. I almost did my natural inclination of putting her back in her seat on the couch, but instead, held her. It hit me that, as she is growing up so quickly, the times of her laying with her head on my chest are quickly diminishing. I felt my eyes watering…this is life. I laid on the couch and just cuddled with her for probably just a minute, or so, but it felt like several, and I loved it.
Sometimes, I miss that physical closeness with my child. A lot. There was something wonderful when Jadyn laid on my chest. She was cuddling up all nice and warm, breathing ever so softly, humming a bit, sucking her finger, asking for her blankie, and then leaning up for a kiss. There is also something amazing about feeling loved, while loving; something that is unique to a beautiful parent/child relationship.
In that moment, I realized a few things: 1. Lysha and I are planting and growing a beautiful relationship with our daughter; 2. this is exactly what God delights in – our relationship with Him; 3. I should seek out, and pray for, more times like this…these are the times that grow me, and remind me to continue to stay close to my Father (both of ‘em).
Ahhh…I love that, just as quickly as my daughter grows, so do I.
