Picture a crowded zoo. See the delighted toddler point a chubby finger toward a noisily roaring lion, saying, "See, Papa!" as she skips merrily along behind her father.

Just then, a crowd of teenagers, clamoring and pushing, separate the toddler from her father. Her whole world disintegrates. Suddenly, she is alone in a sea of legs, surrounded by threatening, fearful sounds, with no father to cling to. Her sweet face becomes a picture of terror. She feels totally lost and alone. Into the afternoon air she cries, "Papa, Papa, please help!" in a small, shaky voice.

Just out of her line of sight, her startled father hears her cries, breaks through the crowd with arms outstretched, and calls, "Come to Papa!"

Hearing her father's voice, the child's whole countenance lights up and she runs headlong into her father's open arms, her world secure once again.

Have you ever been like that child, going merrily along enjoying life's blessings and excitements, and suddenly found yourself terrified to realize you had lost sight of your Heavenly Father ... separated from Him by the crush and clamor of the world?

How precious it is to know that like that lost child, all you need do is call to your Father, assured that He will reach out His outstretched arms and let you "come to Papa" and recapture the security of His everlasting love.

For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:26).

Heavenly Father, thank you for making me Your child. I can sleep peacefully tonight, knowing that if, in the crush of the world, I momentarily lose sight of You, You are always there when I call to You, ready to cradle me in Your loving arms. In Jesus' Name, Amen.