Into Daddy’s Arms

I could sense the magnitude of the occasion. As I boarded the American Airlines flight from San Antonio to Colorado Springs, the only thing I saw was camouflage.

The entire section of First Class and most of Coach was filled with soldiers dressed in identical fatigues. The troops were returning from Bagdad. As I walked to my seat, I found myself mesmerized by the faces of these heroes. They were battle-weary. They were exhausted. They were depleted. But deep in their eyes I was able to see anticipation…a certain expectancy for the conclusion of this long journey.

I found my way to 23F, and took my window seat beside a large G.I. After a few minutes, I introduced myself to this gentle giant. He was soft-spoken, courteous and obviously affected by what he had just left. He had been flying for just under 20 hours and was worn out. After I asked a couple of questions, it was clear that he felt uncomfortable discussing the war and their previous whereabouts.

I turned my questioning to what awaited him when he landed. His countenance immediately changed. He perked up and began to tell me about his wife and two beautiful daughters. He had been in Iraq for the past year…missing the birthdays of his 4 and 5 year old girls. He expressed pride when he told me about his wife and how strong she had been, as this was the first time he had been deployed. As we got closer to Colorado Springs, his voice began to change.

And then, all at once, each soldier began to point out of the window, leaning over to catch a view of the 14,000 foot tall Pikes Peak. They were almost home. Weariness turned quickly into smiles. They were taking turns going into the lavatory to freshen up after their marathon plane ride. The anticipation was so thick you could have cut it with a knife.

I deplaned with Private First Class Collins, and I intentionally fell behind so that I could see what was about to unfold. The further down the terminal we walked, the faster his pace quickened. As he rounded the corner, the Colorado sun illuminated two small girls just beyond security. I could read their body language. They recognized this “mountain of a man.” Without regard for the signs that read “No entry,” the girls began to sprint towards their daddy.

He too began to sprint until he dropped down on his knees in anticipation for the freight train headed towards him. The shrill was intense. “Daddy, Daddy!” The high pitched screams were passionate and expressed clearly their longing for their daddy’s return. In tandem, the two curly headed girls jumped to each shoulder of their waiting father. The same arms that 2 days before were clutching his M-16 in the streets of Baghdad were now gripping tightly his beloved children.

My thoughts were immediately turned towards our Heavenly Daddy.

How far away do you feel from Him today? Do you find yourself peering into the distance wondering if He’ll ever return?

Look again. No matter how far that you feel from the warmth of our Father, He is never far away. Look closely and anticipate His arrival. And then sprint. With wild abandon, dash towards the most loving arms and gentle compassion that you will ever feel. No matter how much time you have been away, or how far you have wandered, your Daddy waits.

There is no greater feeling than the warm embrace that awaits. Become a child again Allow your Father to walk closely with you during the day, and tuck you in at night. . Become gripped with the reality of the situation. He is your guardian and your protector.

Rest.