I Need My Daddy

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run to it and are safe.” Proverbs 18:10

We just returned from our annual beach trip to Topsail Island, NC. It is a highlight each summer. This year was unique for a number of reasons. It was the first year we had to find two houses to rent. This was a new experience for all of us as we finally outgrew the home we have rented for the last seven years. This year we gained two more son-in-laws and two more grandchildren were born. My grandma heart went into action as we began looking for homes to rent. I found a house with safety gates on both porches which made the rental decision very easy. It was determined the grands would stay with Gram and Papa, and our married couples without kiddos would stay in a separate home close by with our youngest daughters.

We are a military family and the uncertainty of who will actually be able to join us is always in question, but we step out in faith each year with a hope most of our family can be there for at least a few days of the week. This year, we missed our oldest daughter, Elizabeth, who could not be with us as she is finishing a tour in South Korea. I was thrilled that everyone else made the commitment to come down to join us at the beach. It was a fabulous week. We had amazing weather, and the two homes we rented were just right. Our little rental was cozy and safe, with just a 5 minute walk to the beach. Our daughters had an amazing home with a fantastic view and room for all 14 of us to eat dinner in one location. Many memories were made as we watched the sun rise on early morning runs, rode townies 15 miles to get the best donuts on the island, spent hours on the beach playing competitive sports, making sand castles, and enjoying the waves. My husband is still the best body surfer I know! He still has it at 55 years old! My husband and son-in-laws also caught some delicious Red fish and Flounder so we could finish the week with our seafood feast!

However, the most significant memory I have from our time at the beach is what my oldest granddaughter, Raegan, said one day as she was having a two year old melt down, “I just need my Daddy!” Those words impacted me deeply as I saw the sincere cry of her heart. Even at her young age she knew her daddy was the one who could help her through her emotional moment and make things better. She recognized her need for the strong and comforting arms of her Daddy and his calming voice. It made me think of my own daughters as they have grown up. When their emotions began to rise and life seemed overwhelming, they would seek out their dad for his calming voice, daddy hug, and the wisdom to fix any problem.

Raegan’s response made me stop and smile. What a beautiful picture of how God hopes we will respond in our moments of need but also in our little moments of everyday life.

What a precious gift to have a Heavenly Father who is always there for us. He desires to be our place of refuge and peace.

He is waiting every day for us to say, “I just need my Daddy.”

My son-in-laws with our precious granddaughters: