I was helping my dad set up his computer on the weekend, I asked for his password at one point and he gave it without hesitation, I joked with him that he shouldn’t have done that as I could steal all his money, he turned around looked me straight in the eyes and said “son, you could have the shirt off my back if you wanted.”
Wow, I saw in that moment the unconditional love that my father has for me, I have had quite a few discussions concerning grace recently looking at the love my father showed towards me reminded me of the grace of God, of the tremendous love and sacrifice and gift that God has given freely to me.
Put something else came into mind when I had that moment with my dad, I remembered all the times we spent together, teaching me obedience, right from wrong, a strong work ethic, making me a man. He did it because he loved me and he wanted the best for me. To be honest it didn’t always feel like it especially when I was being disciplined, but that is what he did.
I also remember how great it feels when I make him proud, to be honest I am 41 and I still want my dad to be proud of me.
I also want my heavenly father to be proud of me, I want to hear “good and faithful servant“who wouldn’t.
So accepting and living in that grace it is time to mobilize, to roll up our sleeves and to take this land for our father, after all, he is worth everything we have.
July 3, 2009 at 7:22 pm |
That is a good article, many thanks. Every child has a different story concerning father – child relationships. To make a Dad proud is of prime importance. How often is this neglected, especially when Dad is still alive. Once a Dad has died, it is often too late and regret steps in. One can’t forgive himself and lives with remorse the rest of the live. My relationship with my Dad was not always the best. One day I decided to make mends. It was incredible. We had more conversations from then onwards. Before he died he said these last words: “I’ll see you in heaven.” Ten days later he died and I have a good conscience. Of course, there could have been more, but living in the UK and separated by distance was only solved by phone and mail. Eyeball to eyeball is still the best.
I make this contribution to encourage anybody, who reads this, to make every effort to have a good relationship with Dad. I had to ask for forgiveness and it was saturated with tears. The one who sees the need can make a start. If I had waited for my Dad to make a move, I am pretty sure, I would live now with a lot of regrets.
Ask the Heavenly Father to help you or connect with someone you trust to make the first move, if that is you who has a damaged relationship with their own father.