Today as Joel was happily sitting in my lap chattering away about something in Spanish, I thought back to when we first arrived here in Honduras......4 months ago! I can't believe it's been 4 months!
When we first arrived Joel was shy.

Then he saw us playing tag with some of the other boys and decided he wanted to join in, but really he just wanted someone running after him. To be pursued.

Isn't that what we all want? What our hearts desire? To be pursued by the One who loves us as we are.

He would run and squeal as I chased him.

Once I caught him, I'd pick him up, swing him around and tickle him. Or some combination of that. But being caught wasn't what caused those delightful squeals. It was being pursued. I would put him down and so the game would begin anew.

And now? Now he comes up to me with his arms outstretched. Wanting to be held. Held where he is safe and loved. Sometimes he comes up and puts his little hand in mine and just walks beside me. Not caring where we're going and usually rattling off 4 year old sentences in Spanish that are adorable and sometimes incomphrensible. I just smile as we walk.

Sometimes we just want Him to hold us. Hold us where we know we are safe and loved. Sometimes we have a lot to say and He just smiles and holds our hand as we walk with Him. Not caring where we're going, as long as it's with Him. Where we are safe and loved.

Sometimes he comes running, if the older boys are picking on him. He runs up, wraps his tiny arms around my legs and buries his face. As if they can't see him when he can't see them.

When trouble comes, we know where to go. And we go. Running. If I sit and he is nearby, you can know that he will crawl into my lap to sit. Happy and content. Safe and loved. And he knows it.

The Lord appeared to him from afar, saying, "I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness.
 Jeremiah 31:3

He pursues us with an everlasting love and draws us to Himself. So that we may walk with Him for the rest of our days. He is our safehaven. Our place of rest. Our refuge. This love. His everlasting love. Is the love that we must show the world.

How lovely on the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who announces peace And brings good news of happiness, Who announces salvation, And says to Zion, “Your God reigns!” Isaiah 52:7