We were having breakfast in a small diner this week when an older gentleman walked in, and his son said, “Have a seat here Dad.” I was intrigued by their relationship and found myself looking in their direction occasionally. They were far enough away that I couldn’t hear conversations, but close enough to see facial expressions.

Trying not to act like a stalker gawking at them, I continued to glance their direction occasionally. It was obvious that the father was excited to have breakfast with his son. As the younger man talked, his father’s face lit up with excitement. He smiled from ear to ear as his son looked him in the eye and shared.

At first I wondered, what makes his father so proud of him, but soon realized that his father was simply excited to spend time with his son. Maybe this was a weekly event in their lives, or maybe his son lived far away and was visiting. I will never know their situation, but it really doesn’t matter. They gave me an unforgettable picture of an amazing father-son relationship.

Our Heavenly Father desires the same closeness with us, His children. It doesn’t matter whether we haven’t prayed in a while, or if we spent hours in prayer with Him yesterday. He is always anxious to hear from us.

God smiles when we tell Him our plans for the future. But when we calm our spirits and listen, He reminds us that His Word says. “For I know the plans I have for you, They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11 Emphasis added). I’m sure He smiles even more as we redirect our paths toward His will.

Even in our heartache, I believe God smiles. Why?  “The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles.” (Psalm 34:17). Even when your heart and soul are in great agony, Abba Father is elated to hear from you. He feels your pain, but at the same time, He loves you and is happy that you are pouring your heart out to Him.

On the night Jesus was arrested prior to His crucifixion, He spent time with His Father. He could have called angels to rescue Him, but being rescued wasn’t the plan. Knowing the agony He was about to face, He cried out...“Abba, Father, everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” (Mark 14:36).

During Jesus’ final hours on this earth, knowing that His life was about to end, He sought comfort and guidance from Abba Father. What an example of taking everything to our Father in prayer! There is no crisis, disaster, worry, or pain, that even comes close to the suffering Jesus experienced on the cross.

God is longing to hear from you, so as you celebrate Easter, please spend time in prayer with Abba Father. You can tell Him your plans, or you can pour your heartache out to Him. Just remember to thank Him for sacrificing His son, Jesus, so that all who believe may have eternal life.

Happy Easter!