Abba!

Some years ago, I was in a small Verizon store in Hoboken, where I lived for seven years. A father and his young son were also inside. At one point the boy got lost- or so he believed. He panicked and quickly cried out, “Abba!” His father, who was close by, practically with him, answered his son’s cry. At the time I didn’t know much Hebrew, but I imagined the father responding with something like, “I’m right here, son.” Something that would have calmed and reassure his son of his presence. 

I can remember the L-RD impressing upon my heart afterwards. I couldn’t get out of my head this interaction between this father and son, and it was for good reason. The Father was trying to teach me something about His heart and specifically, His heart for us.  

The store was small, but for this small child, it was enormous. And to lose sight of his father for even just a moment was enough to bring about fear and panic. For a moment he couldn’t see his father, though he was near. The father on the other hand, was a picture of peace. He responded to his son with love and reassurance. It was a reminder that even though the son could not see his father, he was never alone. His father never left him. He was right there the entire time, and his eyes were always on his son.    

After the father responded to his son, that little boy ran to him. His anxiety left him, and he knew he was safe. I remember reflecting afterwards, I want to be like that. I want to run to my Heavenly Abba when He calls me. I want to remember that even though I might think I have lost sight of Him, the reality is that He is ever so close by to me. He has never left me. He has always been nearby. His eyes have always been on me.  

May G-d use our everyday experiences to teach us more about Him and His heart for us, His beloved children. Speak to us, Rabbi, we desire to hear from You!