"During my recent visit in S.E Asia, I was sitting alone on a wall outside the church waiting for [my friend]. At the end of two months traveling and ministry I was weary and fighting a cold. I'd almost not come this morning but at the last minute I accepted [my friend's] invitation to visit her church. As I waited for her outside the church, the cutest four year old girl wrapped in leggings, soft hoodie, high pony tail and wide beautiful brown eyes, ran towards me. She climbed unhesitatingly up into my lap, laid her head against my chest, wrapped her arms round me and hugged me. I was caught off guard! Uncertain what I'd done to receive such a warm welcome, I hugged her back.

I was unable to say anything she would understand but crooned English nonsense to her, stroking her hair and wondering who she was - and what she really wanted! I had no sweets in my bag, nothing for a child to play with, not even my butterfly toy! But she seemed content just to hug and was in no hurry to leave. She nestled against me as if this is really where she wanted to be. I relaxed, breathed in the smell of her hair, and enjoyed the warmth of her body snuggled into mine. This young girl's hug was a hug from God. I felt the warmth of His love flowing freely through her body; unconditional, trusting, innocent, untainted, undemanding-all giving. As we snuggled together I thought of Jesus saying "unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:3).

How simple and free is God's love, and how complicated we make it. Jesus wants us to run into His lap just like this small child. He wants us to trust Him and freely come running to Him, to lean our heads against His chest. So often we come with an agenda telling Him we love him but looking in His bag to see what He has for us. Or perhaps we come hesitantly uncertain of how He will receive us. Yet unless we come to Him as this little child, we miss out on the blessings of being close to His heart. It must please God's heart when we are so delighted to see Him we just run to Him, jump into His lap and rest in Him with no demands, no complaints, no fear - simply enjoying being with Him. I felt my whole body relax and my heart soften as this child leaned against me. Spending time in God's lap of love softens our hearts and I believe touches God's heart towards us. His love is always there for us, but choosing to spend time with Him must cause Him to feel the way I felt towards that small child. He wants to pour out His love on us. This child's love so freely given stirred my emotions making me want to cover her in kisses, hug her forever, hold her hand in mine, be near her, enjoy her sweetness. I believe God feels like that about us. I felt His love flowing through this young child reminding me that spending time in God's lap brings Him as much pleasure as it brings me.

Have you been in His lap recently? It will bring such joy to His Father's heart. Do you need a hug today? Come to Him as a little child. He will receive you with arms wide open. He will cover you with kisses. He will quiet you with His love and rejoice over you singing, (Zephaniah 3:17). He delights in you!! (Isaiah 62:4).

"I have loved you with an everlasting love; with loving kindness I have drawn you" (Jeremiah 31.3"