Innately, there’s something magical about a twenty-month old and the world of wonder that surrounds a child at that age.

What’s down right delightful is when that twenty-month old is my granddaughter and she repeatedly calls my name.

Recently, Jackie and I were thrilled to be on “Naomi duty” over a weekend as her parents “took five” and attended to things on the home front minus their bundle of joy.

When talking with Naomi via Face Time over the past few weeks, her word flow has gone from an isolated handful, to a trickle, and now to a steady running stream.  It’s amazing to me how a few days can make such a huge difference!

Typically, when her Mama calls us she dials Jackie’s phone.

When Gammy answers the call, little Naomi is front and center on the screen.  That’s when I start my silent countdown from five – “5-4-3-2-1” and the first words out of her mouth are “where Papa go?”

What’s not to like about this kid?  She knows who the Big Kahuna is and she scores a ten when she calls me by name.

Over the recent weekend visit, when our home was transformed into Kid City, the question “where Papa go?” or hearing “Papa” as she called my name had one and only one effect – she stole my heart!

As we have boarded Empty Nest Airlines and have traveled on this flight, it’s nice to reflect about the times when my own children called out for their “Daddy”.

I loved every time I heard it.  I love to hear it now.

Having Naomi around and her calling my name over and over and over is music to my ears.

• It’s emotional.
• It’s wonderful.
• It puts a smile on my face.
• It’s a blessing!

If you are a parent of a young child, cherish each moment your child calls your name despite the hectic pace at times.  The time you have with him or her will vanish before you know it.

If you are a grandparent or a grandparent in waiting, prepare to be won over by the magical sound of your name being called by your grandson or granddaughter, especially when you hear it for the first time!  You will insert them into the will on the spot!

This symphony of “name calling” has helped me reflect a bit.

It reminded me that I have a Father who loves it when I call His name.

There is a particular reading plan, Kong Hee: Abba – The Father of Love, on the online version of the Bible, YouVersion, which describes it like this:

“The Bible describes God by many different names. But one name in particular resonates in the deepest, most intimate way—Abba—which means Daddy! Whatever situation we may find ourselves facing in life, God holds our hands securely and protectively, just as a father would. Discover how knowing God’s love can set you free to lead a life of freedom and victory in Christ!”

We are told:

“So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. Romans 8:15-16 (NLT)

And we are invited to:

“Call to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.” Jeremiah 33:3 (MSG)

As much as I enjoy hearing Naomi ask “where Papa go?” it reminds me that I have a Father who loves hearing me call His name and He never tires of hearing it.  I need to call it more often.

In a parallel vein for Naomi’s question looking for me , “where Papa go?”, He ain’t gone anywhere!

As Dave Ramsey has said, “phone home ET, He’s waiting for your call” .

What about you, when was the last time you did some Name Calling?

He never tires of hearing it!