Strip Padiddle?

It’s a Padiddle!

We used to smack each other when we saw one. My college friends and I would be out driving and spot a car with only one headlight. “Padiddle!” Whoever saw it would yell it out – and then proceed to smack everyone else in the car who wasn’t quick enough. Things have changed a bit since back then. I looked it up just now and Urban Dictionary has upped the game to whenever one is spotted, the last person to see it has to remove a piece of clothing. Strip Padiddle? 

What the heck?

A few years ago I saw a padiddle and decided to reinvent the game. Every time I saw one, I would let it remind me that God loves me. It seemed like a fun way to remind myself and well now, apparently, it keeps me from stripping down naked while driving.

It’s amazing how often I’ve seen one just when I need it. 

This week took the cake. I was driving down the road feeling blue. I was worried that I’d disappointed God by not having the emotional energy to put to another suicide prevention event. It ached my heart to imagine disappointing him and a tear came to my eye. At that very moment, a padiddle passed on the other side of the road. Then another. Then another. Then another. FOUR padiddles IN A ROW. Unheard of! And just a few minutes after that – one more for good measure.

I love you.

I love you.

I love you.

I love you!

And the fifth – just to remind me. I never loved you for what you do or don’t do, I love you for who you are. My daughter. Mine. I love you. You are NOT a disappointment. You are my delight.

Ah Jesus…

Sniffle, sniffle.

I love you too.

PS And listen, I know me. I know all my faults, defects and broken history. If he loves me like that… I can guarantee you he DEFINITELY loves you like that too…

Keep an eye out for those padiddles.