Audio: Meeting Papa

The Story is best experienced when read in a space for quiet contemplation. I recommend taking a deep breath and inviting God into the room and space you&#8217;re in. Invite him to show you what He wants for you today. Tell Him that you are open to His love for you.<br/><br/>The setting of The Story is that you are on a journey with Jesus. You&#8217;ve been walking along the road of Love, Grace and Forgiveness that has led you up a mountain trail.<br/><br/>Take another deep breath.<br/><br/>Let us begin.<br/><br/>Back on the path of Love, Grace and Forgiveness, Jesus and I near the bend that I could barely make out when we first left Guilt Ridden. I stop Jesus and ask him, "Why aren&#8217;t you more irritated with me? I'm still doing many of the same stupid things I was doing back on Guilt Ridden. My behavior hasn't changed, or at least it feels like it hasn't. I don't know, maybe it has. But. I&#8217;m frustrated with myself, so it feels as though you should be, too."<br/><br/>Thoughtfully, Jesus responds, "I&#8217;d like to introduce you to someone".&#160;<br/><br/>He looks ahead, and because of the quiet, I can hear faint footsteps approaching. The rhythmic steps are getting closer until eventually, a figure appears from around the bend, a man walking now fifteen feet in front of us. He's tall, has a stocky muscular build and is wearing a flannel shirt. His hands are in his pockets, and my heart leaps with a strange familiarity. His face is soft and gentle. He shyly and knowingly looks at me before looking and smiling at Jesus.&#160;<br/><br/>He gives Jesus a warm embrace before slapping his back and turning his gaze toward me. Just watching their interaction fills my heart with joy and without even meaning to, I am smiling. It is apparent their relationship is an easy one. Jesus still has an arm around this man when he says:&#160;<br/><br/>"I&#8217;d like to introduce you to my Dad."&#160;<br/><br/>I feel shy and unworthy in this man's presence, kind of like the way it feels when someone talks to you at a soc