Father’s Love
It was our Ben’s 21st birthday last Thursday. This emotional dad found tears rolling down his face as he wrote in his card, reflecting on the past and looking forward. A look back through the Baby Book brought a lump to my throat; words could not adequately express my feelings.
I recalled the first drum kit, the first day at school, those weeks at Spring Harvest, those family holidays, and then the taxi service in the teenage years. There were hard days too, when discipline was called for, but those were few. And then I looked forward with all my hopes and aspirations for Ben. I wonder what God has in store for him. My instinct is to protect him, and yet I know he must take full responsibility for his future, though as parents we will always be here for him as long as we are here.
I love all my children and grandchildren. I want their best. I delight to see them walking God’s way, to see them content, fulfilled, giving themselves for others. I feel hurt when I see them hurt. I feel pain when they are in pain. And then I realised that this is only a shadow of how much my Heavenly father loves Ben, and them, and me – and you!
Maybe you find this very hard to understand because you have never felt or experienced the pure love of a mum and dad, but it’s true. He looks at you this morning with tears of love in his eyes. Maybe you feel you’ve failed in some way, messed up; well he still loves you so much. Maybe you’re angry with God because how can he allow your circumstances if he loves you. Ever thought that he feels your pain too?
And then there’s my Church family; I desire your best, urging you to follow God’s way, but knowing you must take responsibility for your own actions. If you are hurt and in pain, don’t retreat. You need the support of other members of the family around you. Don’t be tempted to drift away, disappointed and disillusioned. And remember that your Heavenly father has promised that he will never reject you, leave you or forsake you. He is there by your side, urging you on, wanting your very best and even gave his life so that you might succeed.
David Thatcher
1 comment February 17th, 2009