Today I spent the morning rehearsing for an upcoming show celebrating the release of my debut album. It felt good to have the guitar back in my hands, but if I'm honest, it took me about three weeks to get my chops back after stepping away from the stage. The last live show I played was before coming off tour—right around the same time my wife and I welcomed our baby girl into the world. Life changed overnight.

After finishing my rehearsal, I sat back, closed my eyes, and started playing an old worship song I grew up singing. Then one line stopped me in my tracks:

"No greater love than I've ever known. You've considered me a friend. Come capture my heart again."

I've sung those words hundreds of times—in my room, on stages, and leading corporate worship. But today, they landed differently.

It made me think about all the songs I've sung over the years without fully understanding or believing what I was declaring. Sometimes it's possible to know the words without letting them reach your heart. Sometimes it's easier to perform faith than to be honest before God.

So today I simply whispered, "Lord, no matter how many times I've tried to run, no matter how many times I've tried to over-spiritualize or spiritually bypass what You're trying to do in me... come capture my heart again."

Fatherhood has changed the way I see everything.

Looking at my daughter has given me a glimpse—however small—of how the Father looks at His children. And for the first time in a long time, I'm beginning to see myself not as someone who has to earn His approval, perform for His affection, or pretend everything is okay.

I'm His son.

There's a freedom in that I can't fully explain.

Maybe that's what God has been after all along—not perfect performances, but surrendered hearts.

And today, somewhere between rehearsal and an old worship song, I think He captured mine again.