Previously published on 12/8/2012

Do you remember how, when you were a little girl, everyday things held such fascination? Butterflies and “Lightning Bugs” were really fairies in disguise, frogs could be turned into Prince Charming with a kiss, and Daddy was Superman. It’s a beautiful thing to see the world through the eyes of a child. There is such innocence and purity there. When we see as a child sees, we can, for a moment, brush off the dirt and dismay that growing up sometimes leaves on our shoulders. We can see with a fresh perspective.

I had such an opportunity last weekend. I traveled to Atlanta to have an early Christmas celebration with my family. We took my nearly 3-year-old niece to see Santa and watch the Christmas parade. I loved to see her drink in the stories told by Mrs. Claus and sing along with the other children. I soaked up every time her eyes widened with child-like wonder at each giant balloon or marching band paraded before us. It made me feel like a child again to watch her absorb the world around her.

When we got back to the house to open Christmas presents, it was another big round of excitement. She opened a beautiful dress from my parents and immediately wanted to wear it. She wanted to see how it would twirl. Do you remember twirling skirts? There was something about that perfect skirt that blossomed out as you spun. I don’t know what made it so amazing, but it was, wasn’t it? As I watched my niece twirl around, enthralled, in her new twirling dress, it reminded me of that place in my heart that always longs to be noticed, to be told I’m beautiful, to be the center of someone’s world.

My brother is an amazing dad. He lavishes love on his daughter, gives her his attention, and teaches her right from wrong. I saw all of those things while I was with them. He stood with her to tell Santa what she wanted for Christmas. He hoisted her up on his shoulders so she could see everything in the parade. At times he had to correct her behavior and lovingly teach her what was right. And, he stood, giving his full attention, while she twirled in her new dress. She was the epitome of delight in that moment.

The beautiful thing about earthly moments like these is that they point to our Heavenly Father and remind us that we are the daughter in which He delights. Zephaniah 3:17 says,

“The Lord, Your God, is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing”.

When I read that verse, I think about a good Dad like the one I was blessed to have or the one given to my niece. I am delighted to know that, even if I hadn’t been given a good earthly father, I have a Heavenly Father who delights in me and sings over me. Isn’t it beautiful? In those moments where you think no one is watching or finding delight in you, your Heavenly Father is! He loves to delight in you! So, go ahead and twirl away! Your Heavenly Father is watching and loving every moment!