I Choose Today to Stay Close to the Father
I read a story recently about a father who spent a lot of time making things for his daughter. Thoughtful things. Beautiful things. His hands were busy, his heart full of love. But as I sat with the story, something stirred—something deeper. The Holy Spirit nudged me with a gentle question: What if she needed more of him, not more from him? He had limited time—like we all do. And instead of using it to make memories with her, he spent it making gifts for her. Sweet? Yes. But something essential was missed: presence. She would’ve learned more, grown more, and likely cherished more, simply being with her father than receiving all the things he crafted. And just like that, I felt the Lord turn that mirror on me. How often do I long for what God can do for me instead of simply sitting with Him? How often do I run ahead chasing something good and miss out on the One who is better? It reminds me of the choice Abraham and Lot had to make* (credit to Paul Waters). When their herds grew too large to share land, Abraham offered Lot first pick. Lot lifted his eyes and