A Father's Love
On a recent cold winter night, I was sitting around a table visiting with new friends. Another couple came and joined us; the wife, whom I had not met before, sat next to me. Within a very few minutes, we were engaged in a heart conversation about how a daughter’s relationship with her father can impact her perspectives of her Heavenly Father. It was a private conversation between the two of us that didn’t include the others at the table. I don’t remember how the conversation started only that it felt safe being so vulnerable and that I had more to say than our schedules allowed.
A few days later, one of the men who was there shared his pride in his daughter for a scholastic honor she earned. Like a loose thread that you keep pulling on, those two conversation tidbits taking place in such close proximity have been tugging on my heart for several days.
Was your father the type who told you and others how proud he was of you? Did you know by his words and deeds how much he loved you, valued you and that he would do anything required to protect you? Or maybe, like me, that wasn’t your reality.
What is the visual image you have of God the Father? Do you see a smiling face reflecting the love he has for you; arms of protection tenderly enfolding you and holding you close? Do you feel the strength that comes from knowing how much you are loved?
My faith assures me that God loves me with an eternal love – my name is written on his hand and in the Lamb’s Book of Life. He gave his only son, Jesus, as a sacrifice for my sins so I could be in relationship with God now and for all of eternity. I know this deep in my soul.
Yet, too many times, I am inclined to visualize myself standing on my tiptoes, waving my arms asking God to notice me, did I do well enough, will you spend time with me. There is a note of pleading in my voice. How easy I make it for the Enemy to replace the character of my Heavenly Father with that of my earthly father.
So for the Dads, know that your love for your children and especially your daughters has impacts beyond just your relationship with her. You influence her on a spiritual level and subconsciously the type of man she is inclined to want to spend her life with. Invest your time and love well – the benefits will far outweigh the sacrifices you make.
Daughters, hopefully you have someone, even if it isn’t your father, who loves you with a father’s love. I had uncles who filled that role. One, my Uncle Bob, always introduced me as his daughter. I often wondered what people who knew my Aunt Jane and Uncle Bob had no children thought when they met me.
And sons, even if you didn’t have the best example of being a father, you can choose to be a great dad. I know because I saw my big brother grow up and be the kind of father every daughter wants to call Dad.
For all of us, no one, even a great early father, will love us like our Heavenly Father….thank you Lord!
Blessings,
Vicki
© Chateau Life Coach