One Secret to Happiness

He crawled between us just before dawn. The faint whimpers alerted me to his presence. Our youngest son woke early once again and came to the only place he knew to go … next to Daddy.

He snuggled in close, and though he pretended to drift back to sleep I knew his intentions. He lay in wait until Daddy moved. At the first hint of Dad rising, Isaiah sat up. Dad scooted to the side of the bed. So did Isaiah. Dad hung his legs off the side of the bed and sat for a moment while his body woke all the way up. So did Isaiah.

A boy with his Dad. Side by side. Determined to wait for the next move and follow.

As this little boy’s day started he wanted nothing more than the presence of his father. His only agenda was to seek out Dad and watch him for what to do next.

Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:4 (NASB)

I often open my eyes to the sound of a jet engine cranking up and blowing all the day’s work through my ears. My plans force my feet to the floor at sprint speed and my attitude matches that of an exhausted runner just trying to make it to the finish line. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

What if the first words on our minds each morning were, Daddy, I have to get to Daddy?

If we opened our eyes with the single goal of finding our Father. Then sat with Him until He moved.

How happy is the man
who does not follow the advice of the wicked
or take the path of sinners
or join a group of mockers!
Instead, his delight is in the Lord’s instruction,
and he meditates on it day and night.
He is like a tree planted beside streams of water
that bears its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.” Psalm 1:1-3 (HCSB)

How happy is the one who delights in the Lord’s instruction. The word “happy” in this verse speaks to the joy and satisfaction we experience when we trust in and obey God. A constant stream of our Father’s presence flows through us and out of us producing joy, love, hope, peace, direction.

As I watched my son soak in the presence of his father I couldn’t help but notice his peace, his assurance, his confidence. He found all he needed next to his dad. We can, too.

What do you say? When the jet engine fires up with your world’s problems and pressures, turn off the ignition. Silence the noise and seek the voice of your Father. Let Him fuel you … then go fly that plane.