Sometimes family relationships can be difficult. Some of these, in fact, can color every future relationship we will have. Though parent-child connections can, and often do, certainly fit this scenario, specifically I want to address the influence our fathers have on us as they lead us through childhood and into adulthood.
My relationship with my own father was, overall, a good one. I have many MANY happy memories of my childhood, most are probably common in most families such as excitement when Daddy got home from work, weekend projects, and homework help. And, I have learned, our relationship with our heavenly Father is typically colored by the one we had with our own dads. This can – and should – be warm, loving, and wonderful, even given the fact that no human father can be perfect.
There were things that weren’t the norm, but that affected me more than the norm. I won’t speculate the reasons, nor cite the “nobody’s perfect” excuse. My dad was no worse than other fathers, and was better in many ways! Still, a few deep imprints were left that have affected me in my into and throughout my adulthood – and, certainly, in my view of, and relationship with, God.
I don’t want to get too specific, but there are examples I can share. The deep booming window-rattling voice would suddenly and sharply assault my senses when I did something with which he didn’t approve…the withdrawing of all communications – even glances in my direction – when I displeased him…the way the family had to be very quiet and leave him alone when he was relaxing in front of the TV (which I handled by reading in my bedroom)…
And, the majority of the time, normalcy. Love. Generosity. Laughter – lots and lots of laughter! Hugs. Trips to the ice cream parlor. Family activities. Patient guidance. Stories. It was just that I never knew when the voice would boom, or I’d disturb him unintentionally, or the withdrawal of his love attention would suddenly hit…
It has taken my entire life to date to see God as he REALLY is. Unlike any human daddy, God’s love is perfect. Of the many facets of God, His love is quite possibly the most important. For it was that love that caused Him to offer the ultimate sacrifice to reestablish perfect union with us, which He created in His own image. This is the prime example of where His own Word draws us to Him. In spite of who we think God should be. In spite what I thought a father – even my heavenly Father – was. In spite of living my life so I wouldn’t disturb Him. In spite of “knowing” that He was just watching and waiting for me to mess up so that He could drop the hammer…or worse yet, turn away from me completely. It is still, and always will be, a work I need to do. But I don’t do it alone, and God continually nudges me in the right direction through His Word, including telling me about the relationship that He had with His own Son Jesus when He walked among us.
Please take to heart God’s own Words as we celebrate our relationship with the only Father Who will never leave us or forsake us, our Abba Father!
A blessed Father’s day to our Heavenly Father.
It has been said that women looking for their father figure in a man. That may be good or no so good. Where good or bad, praise God from whom all blessings flow to usward. His mercies are renewed every morning. He loves you so much he has even written your name on his hand. And, nothing, can snatch you out of his hands.
Happy Father’s day, Abba Father.
Amen!