1 John 3:1a “See what great love the FATHER has lavished on us, that we should be called children of GOD! And that is what we are!“
With the Heart of a Child!
A visitor to the Jonathan Griffith house was a common occurrence.
In the small home with 3 children, so it became routine for them to see someone new once a week.
With all of Mr. Griffith’s business activities, such personal intersections were the usual.
As Mrs. Griffith would have the kids help clean the house, so their father would share how to greet their guests.
“When you hear someone at the door, quickly go, open it and welcome them to our home.”
Now, truth be told, David, the 6 year old and youngest, was well versed in what to do.
But each reminder from his dad increased his attention. often being the first to greet guests.
So it was on this occasion that
these guests met little David.
While guiding the newcomers to a chair, he offered a glass of water and then announced to his mother that their company had been seated.
Once she too had extended her greeting, then David ran off to play.
Such was the routine they’d been taught and it created warmed hearts in all who were observing.
As Mrs. Griffith entertained the couple from church, the children were careful not to run through the living room or cause any noise or disruption.
For the other two kids, avoiding correction was their motivation. But for David, he was always listening for the door.
Eventually he was seen to run and open the door, looking expectant.
Then, after a few seconds, he quickly closed it and returned to playing.
This happened again and once more, David was the first greeter. But no one was there and the little boy lingered a few moments longer.
As the living room conversation was vibrant and lighthearted, no one paused to question.
But on the third occasion, the pastor and his wife asked Mrs Griffith if more guests were expected.
She blushed slightly at their inquiry and shared that Mr. Griffith had been on a business trip for awhile and David was anxiously awaiting him.
The pastor smiled and as the two women began talking again, he slowly rose from the couch to join the watchful lad.
Oblivious to the pastor’s presence, David remained at the window of the storm door — hands and forehead pressed against the glass.
The elder marveled at the dedication he was witnessing and was soon struck by a familiar feeling.
Then gently lowering himself to the wooden floor, he sat beside the small figure who regularly scanned the driveway and the front yard for any sign of his dad.
As a few minutes more passed, the Holy SPIRIT then imparted the heart of David to the pastor in simple yet profound detail.
Soon overwhelmed, tears joyfully fell from his face and continued silently until…until a tiny hand began to wipe them away.
Looking up into the face of the miniature angel, so he grasped the glorious significance!
Without words, David nodded vigorously and smiled with the joy
of Heaven!
“Don’t worry! It’s all right, Mister!” the soft voice said to the seated man. “He’s coming back…just as he promised!”
And with that, he climbed into the trembling arms of the pastor and together, they eagerly watched for Mr. Griffith.
As HIServant ever and also expectant for the rapturous return of our FATHER and KING,
Whitney
Devotional: Matthew 24:42 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your LORD will come!”
With intention, I named David’s father as Jonathan and symbolically, the devotion those
two had for GOD and their own friendship is exampled here with David and his dad.
So let us be equally as zealous in this late hour, not so focused on plans but on the coming of our FATHER and KING!
Come quickly, LORD GOD! We stand at the door watching and waiting!
Amen and amen!
2CJC 