God is our Loving Father

During the often tedious hour before my children go to bed, I sometimes encourage our little family to venture outside for some fresh air. On one such occasion, I found myself humming some calming songs to my restless infant when my daughter came up to me and requested we sing, "Star Shining Brightly!" It goes like this:

"I am like a star shining brightly, shining for the whole world to see. I can do and say happy things each day, for I know heavenly Father loves me." (Children's Songbook, 163)

Even at the age of 2, my daughter is beginning to understand the love her heavenly Father has for her. Why is this an important concept to understand, even in childhood??

Knowing that we are literal offspring of divinity reminds us that we are someone special--that when all else fails, our God loves us more than we can comprehend, with all of our imperfections. It reminds us that he understands us perfectly even if no one else does. This simple knowledge can change the way we think and act. It can take away our loneliness and emptiness and replace it with warmth and comfort.

Without a knowledge of our divine worth, people often make choices that lead to misery. Driven to desperation, the lonely and friendless may turn to drugs to fill the void. The abused may let out anger on their fellowmen. The unloved or unwanted may turn to immorality in attempt to feel wanted. The neglected may act shamefully in order to get noticed.

However, as a child of God, each one of us is important to Him and worth saving. Imagine if everyone in the world today understood this simple concept. They could turn to their Father in heaven and find a friend when they are lonely, find strength and comfort when they have been abused, and find love and encouragement when they feel unwanted or neglected. They could take comfort in the simple fact that God loves them, has a plan for them, and wants them to be happy. They could find confidence within themselves because they have true worth in the eyes of their creator.

Furthermore, this understanding leads us to discover the, "Why?" behind his commandments. He gives us commandments because he loves us. He knows that if we follow them, we can and will find joy! So, instead of viewing them as arbitrary restrictions set up to make life difficult, we recognize them as gifts from a loving heavenly Father who wants to lead us back into his presence.

I know that my heavenly Father loves me. His love is what motivates me to embrace good and shun evil, though I often do fall short. I also know that he loves each and every one of his children; regardless of age, race, gender, or situation. You should never believe that you are an exception and that God cannot possibly love you, for that is false. Whatever your situation, know that he loves you and wants you to be happy.