My Dear Child,

You can’t imagine how much I’ve longed for you, for the intimacy we once had, for the former joys together. If you were in some far-off country, I could understand it, but we live almost next door; yet I seldom hear from you. Yes, you often read the letters I’ve sent, but you don’t seem to take them to heart, and you rarely talk with me to discuss them. Can’t you understand that my heart yearns to explain in more detail all I’ve written there, to give you deeper insight? Can you imagine how precious your voice is to me? Each word you say, I treasure.

I realize you’ve gotten offended because you don’t understand some of my dealings; but if you were in my place, you’d have done the same thing because I see in the future and understand how things will affect you then. Because of my great love for you, I’ve allowed some things that momentarily hurt you and seem to your destruction. Dear child, you don’t recognize how much stronger you’ll become by weathering these storms and hard times. You need to grow strong and secure, not to be a pampered sloth. Just as your physical body grows weak if you aren’t busy tending to your business, so your spirit grows weak if you never have difficulties to overcome. They are there to teach you victory, not to get you down. Learn what it means to see your strength renewing day by day and your victories overcoming whatever challenges you.

Precious one of mine, you are far too valuable to simply let you slip away from me; that’s why I continually call you back to the place where you belong. Don’t get lost in the mire of the world; it can’t satisfy you. Only my presence can meet all your needs and give you the joy you long to experience once again. Come, sit beside me and hear my whispers to your heart. Show your love; don’t just tell me. Come, sit in my embrace and hear my sweet song over you. Let me show you my love for you. Wallow in it; enjoy it; let it encircle you and warm your heart again. You aren’t a stranger to me for I know you very well. Come, eat from my overflowing table and let your heart be glad. You are my beloved.

Is this our heavenly Father’s letter written to me? To you? If so, how will it be answered?