Papa

At lunchtime, outside the dining room, I experienced the scene. Five little kids poured out of the childcare room, and all at once, they all called out, "PAPA!" with smiles. One child's Papa answered him in French, along with a kiss. Another child's Papa answered him in Bengali, with a hug. Another child's Papa answered her in English. Another child's Papa answered her in Swedish. And another child's Papa kneeling, grabbed his child enfolding her in a hug, and answered her in Hindi. My children's Papa answered them in Spanish when they were little.
Replaying this poignant scene in my mind at Christmas time, I can't help but think of God's gift to people. We can call God, "Papa!" We will be answered with a hug, God coming to our level so we can see in each other's eyes, we can feel each other's hearts beating--in whatever language we need to hear.
I am also happy to be in this place, where I can hear "Papa", and never know which language I'll hear in reply!