My young son had been following me around the house for hours. All my efforts to interest him in playing with his truck or books were unsuccessful. He just wanted me to hold him. I couldn't take time to read the paper, eat two bites of a sandwich, or call a friend. Like a 30-pound shadow, he toddled after me, never letting me out of his sight. All day he wanted to be close to me--and I resented it.

Suddenly I stopped and looked at myself as God's child. What would happen if I followed him around all day? I could watch him welcome children into his embrace. Would he scold me for not letting him out of my sight? Would he resent me for wanting to be close to him all day long?

I gave my son the attention he wanted, while basking in the love my Heavenly Father showers on me.