Surprise

Some of the most cherished moments I have as a father are those very special times I experience the joy of being received by my three children as I arrive home from work. It doesn’t occur every day but just often enough for me to be moved to capture and relish something that too will pass.

Securing the emergency brake, closing the driver-side door...I pause.

Anticipate.

A shift in paradigm ensues.

I approach my front door while soaking in the rejuvenating energy which emanates from the house I called home…my presence being noted by the bustling of little feet, stampeding for the door…

“Daddy’s home!”

It makes my day every time.

One can hear the jubilation from down the street.

This evening I was greeted by my eldest, Frances, who’s four and a half. Her eyes were filled with wonder, with a secret ready to be revealed. Indeed she had hiding for me a new pair of wading sandals Sarah had purchased for my spring fishing outings. She insisted I close my eyes.

“Surprise, Daddy! These are for your fishing.”

In that moment I could only take in the joy Frances had in giving, a gift, a grace unto itself. My heart overflowed with gratitude at the sight, the experience of my child growing up so quickly…so ready to please me with a cheerful gift. What a lesson.

It made me stop to wonder, to understand in a moment, the joy our Heavenly Father feels when we offer a gift of self to him or to another out of love, the gift of a small sacrifice, something he’s given in order that we may give.

Such is grace.