Today I am reminded of how blessed I am. These blessings, while evident in every area of my life, are most clear to me in my family. Time spent with my father, mother, and sister are some of the best memories I have. Their unconditional love for me often astounds me. How my mom and dad put up with some of my stupid, selfish acts is beyond me. How my sister still loves me despite all arguments and fights (which I won) as kids is amazing. Even as I write this I know it is not beyond me or really that amazing, but rather God entwined in and directing our family. The saying about the family that prays together staying together is so true. The love of the Lord is evident in each of us and thus to each of us through one another. We leave each family time together with a prayer circle, committing one another to the Lord and looking forward to what He has for each of us.
I have a mother who is one of the most passionate, God fearing, and loving women I know of. Her love for her God and His word, her husband, her family, and everyone she comes in touch with is truly a testament to His love, grace, and place in her life. Everyone remembers "Mama Ruth" and the part she played in their life whether through a simple hug, a meal, or time spent in fellowship and learning.
I have a sister who put up with me for years and even lived with me. That in itself took more grace than I imagine I have. Her wisdom and heart extend far beyond her years. In her humility, I doubt she even realizes her wisdom, her heart, her talents, or the extent of her impact. She is soft spoken, but when she speaks or steps out in faith it is always an encouragement to those around her.
Though those blessings would be enough for any man, I am blessed far beyond that to have an earthly father who is the best representation of what a Godly man and father should look like. His dedication and passion for the Word are convicting and encouraging. He meets every trial and struggle head on with wisdom, grace, understanding, patience, and perseverance. Through those times His love for the Lord, my mother, his children, and his ministry never ceases. When he speaks people listen because his character in the Lord has been proven over and over. He is never too busy to help someone in need and often sacrifices his personal needs and desires to meet those needs.
Perhaps the thing that means the most to me was that my dad was always there through thick and thin. No matter the cost and at any time, he would drop whatever he had to for my sake. Our family was his first ministry. He traveled to most of my away basketball games, was always home to meet the bus, rarely missed a school event, celebrated every major event and accomplishment in my life, sacrficed many hours making sure my needs were met, taught me so many tools and trades of life, and always found time to impart Godly wisdom and ideals into my life. If I needed him today, he would be here in a moments' notice. In all these times he treated me as a man and expected that I act as one. He would listen to and respect my thoughts and feelings on life, relationships, and the Word. When needed he would correct me and impart the wisdom that the Spirit blessed him with and go right on loving me. I am blessed to have a father that is my best friend and who is and will be my best man for life.
In my desire to have a family someday I hope to be able to mimic my father. To not spare the rod, to not exasperate, to impart wisdom, to spend time with my family, to sacrifice for them at a moments notice, and above all to love sacrificially and unconditionally. I want my father to be proud of me as a father and as a grandfather of my children. I can not wait to tell them about their grandfather, allow him to impart the same wisdom and knowledge to them, and to watch him love them.
If you know and have a relationship with your Heavenly Father you can see the parallels. However great I feel my father and his love are, I know beyond that shadow of a doubt that my God and his love and grace are greater. He is always there no matter the place or time of day. He is a simple prayer, cry, or groan away. His mercies are new every morning and His forgiveness no one can match or fathom. While my earthly father will age, my Heavenly Father is the same yesterday, today, and forever. My Heavenly Father also imparts wisdom to me through His words, my earthly father, and so many others. His riches and blessings are beyond measure. He knows what is best for me and my growth in Him. He hurts when I hurt and rejoices when I rejoice. He yearns to spend every moment with me. No matter how many times I fall, He still loves me. He carries me when I can not make it on my own. He always welcomes me back with open arms. His love is unconditional, sacrificial, pure, and perfect. Above all He sacrificed His one and only Son for our redemption that we might spend eternity with Him.
I know that my father strives to be found in the image of his Heavenly Father and I long to do the same. How great to be an heir in Christ and have the blessing of an eternity with the One who created us, loves us, and gave Himself for us. Lord hasten your kingdom! May the crys of my heart and my mouth be ones of adoration and love to my Abba Father.
I love you dad and thank the Lord for you upon every remembrance.
To God be the glory!
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