In the past year of my life, I have come to know God in a new way. Part of this new understanding is seeing that He is a “good Father.” Abba is the word that Jesus used for God. Abba in Aramaic meant something similar to what we would term now as Daddy or Papa. Abba signified a deep trust and security in their relationship. This year I’ve met Abba, and I want to share an image of His character.
This video popped up on my Facebook timeline from three years ago (please excuse my giggles). When Kyeson, my youngest son, was two years old, he sat on my lap during the annual talent show at MLK Elementary, where his Daddy, Travis, was the principal. Throughout the show, Kyeson was snuggled up close in my arms, but at the end of the show, they opened up the stage for unplanned performances. Two-year-old Kyeson immediately jumped off my lap and said, “Mommy, I go up there, I dance.” And, he did. He went to dance for a crowd of 100 people to the song Happy (quite fitting for his personality). He was the hit of the show!
Now, every time that I’ve seen this video before, I’ve focused on little Kyeson twirling around on the stage. The joy he brought to all of us and the potential he carries inside of him. This time, however, my eyes were drawn to Travis, Kyeson’s Daddy, and I thought, “Isn’t that just like Abba?” When Abba sees His children using our talents and bravely stepping out to use the gifts and abilities that He’s given us, He doesn’t stop us. He rejoices in us. He cheers us on. He watches for dangers, so we don’t fall, and if we do, He’ll be there to catch us. And, when we’re too tired or dizzy to go on, He picks us up and loves on us. This is an image of the Abba I met this year. I hope you know Him too. I hope this image helps you see Him a little better, and to understand how He sees you.
One final thought for us parents. As I reflected on this scene, I also thought about my role in all of this. From letting Kyeson go, to filming this moment in time, to being too far away to catch him myself, I thought about a connected lesson. Just as I believe that Abba is there to celebrate each one of us, I have to believe that for my own children. I won’t always be able to hold them close. Sometimes I have to let them go. But with this image in my mind of Abba, it is much easier. As long as I am confident that Abba is there waiting, rejoicing, rescuing—always, I find the courage to trust in Abba who is attentive to those most precious to me.
You have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out Abba! Father!…We are children of God. ~Romans 8:15-16
~Kimberly Howard
Christ Fellowship member