Daddy's Girl

How recognizing my dad’s voice reminded me of what it means to know God’s voice.

If there’s one thing about my dad, it’s that he loves surprises—the kind that leaves you shaking your head but smiling at the same time. And this time, his surprise came disguised as a voice I thought I wouldn’t hear.

Before my flight, I was on the phone with my dad. From the way he was sounding, I already suspected he wasn’t going to pick me up. And sure enough, when I landed, he confirmed it with a simple text that read: Michael is waiting outside for you.

So I picked up my bags and started heading toward the exit. The airport was its usual mix of noise and movement with people rushing, announcements overhead, the steady drag of suitcases. In the middle of all that, I suddenly heard a voice that sounded exactly like my dad’s.

My first instinct was to brush it off.

After all, this man had just told me he wasn’t coming. And besides, I was still inside. It didn’t add up.

But something in me paused. I turned around—and there he was. My father. Standing right there, smiling as if the whole thing had been his plan all along.

Later, I realized the only reason I turned around was because I knew his voice. Years of conversations, shared moments, laughter, and even corrections have trained my ear. No matter the setting, I could recognize his voice anywhere.

And that’s when a scripture came to mind:

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27)

It struck me that recognizing God’s voice works the same way. It isn’t about random guesses or lucky timing, it’s about relationship. The more time you spend in prayer, in worship, and in His Word, the more tuned your ear becomes. His voice grows familiar, steady, unmistakable.

And in the middle of life’s noise—the distractions, the doubts, the busyness—you’ll still recognize it. You’ll know it’s Him, and you’ll follow.

That moment at the airport reminded me of something simple yet important; intimacy builds recognition. Just as years with my dad made his voice familiar to me, years of walking with God make His voice clear in the crowd.

This is a reminder I’m holding close.