My daughter and I were walking hand in hand, exiting the parking lot as we entered the shopping center. I was relishing the moment and I made sure she knew it and understood the significance.
“Sweetheart, I’m loving this moment!”
She grinned and grasped my hand tighter, “I love shopping with you, Dad!”
“Me too! But that’s not what I meant.”
“What DID you mean, Dad?”
We walked a few more steps as I wistfully looked forward. “Someday, you won’t want to hold my hand like this.” I gently lifted our hands together.
“Why not?”
“Well…” I slowly began. “I hope you will always want to hold my hand when we go out but I think there will come a day when you may not want to. You might not think it’s cool, especially in front of your friends. I’m not upset, but I know I will be sad when that day comes.”
“Dad!” my daughter protested. “My friends think it’s cool you still hold my hand when we go out!”
I smiled and hugged her and said, “That’s good, sweetheart.” Quickly changing the subject, I maneuvered her toward the escalator, “Hey, let’s go check out the ice skating rink!”
She was only ten years old but I already knew, it was hard to let go. Ten years later, I’m still letting go. She will always be Daddy’s little girl, always, I lamented.
Letting go.
Why is it so difficult? Do I fear that my daughter will falter in life if I am not always around? Do I fear that she will no longer need me as she once did? I suspect that these emotions and feelings are common for many parents and their children. I had these same fears with my parents. I have the same fears with my Heavenly Father. In times of duress, I fear that God may let go of me before I am ready to face a new challenge. In times when I am grievously sinning, I fear that my sins have pushed God away and He will let go to punish me. But this is not what God states.
Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.
Deuteronomy 31:6 (ESV)
The Holy Spirit repeats this verse in the Book of Hebrews.
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Hebrews 13:5 (ESV)
When God repeats a verse in the Bible, He wants us to pay special attention to His promises. He will NEVER let go of us! The truth is I am never ready to let go of God and God will never let go of me. He knows all of my doubts and insecurities, whether it involves myself or my daughter. Thanks be to God that we are His heavenly children through faith and belief in His Son, Jesus Christ as Lord and Messiah. This is His eternal promise to us. He will never leave us nor forsake us!
Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.
The Bereans Blog 