Father’s Day is in the rear-view mirror but oddly enough I’ve been thinking about my dad quite a bit lately. He went to be with the Lord on January 12th of 2010. It’s been a while since I’ve seen him face to face. Yet, I’m recalling fond memories of projects we did together, the time we spent at ball games, and just having him present.
He was a tough guy. Never had much to say. Rough around the edges, but kind at heart. He gave His life to the Lord around the time when I was born, as I understand it. I speak of him when we teach, and the wounds that were inflicted on me from someone whose dad was largely absent. He experienced his own trauma when his father passed away at 38ish while in another State working far from home. My father was 18 years old. That’s a lot of responsibility for the oldest in a family of 5.
Perhaps it’s all the projects I have undertaken in our own home that has brought back memories of those teaching moments he rendered in my favor. I’m not exactly the handiest guy but I can figure things out and getter done. Dad was the opposite, more of an implementer. He would tackle almost anything successfully as if he knew what he was doing from the get-go.
Dad was a good mentor and I know he loved me.
There’s a Father in heaven that loves us too. Unfortunately, unlike our earthly father, we don’t get to see him face-to-face. But… we can experience that love in many ways that make up for it.
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!..“ 1 John 3:1
Not only does God love us but He has adopted us into His family calling us sons and daughters. As Christians, we have to step into the full understanding of this, living our lives as though we believe this to be true.
“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” Matthew 7:11-12
Our Heavenly Father is so good to us. He loves us, is for us, and will give us the desires of our heart as we delight in Him.
My earthly father gave me the gift of life with a mother who loved me too. But my Heavenly Father gave me the gift of eternal life by believing in His Son, Jesus Christ.
How about you?
And that’s the memo.
Steve
