Compassionate Father

Growing up, my dad was a strict one.  There were rules in our household, and we abided by them.  Let me state from the start – it was a wonderful childhood. Yet, my brother and I were never confused about what the rules were and who was in charge.  At the time, it seemed as if Daddy was ‘overly’ strict and ‘never’ let us do anything fun.  Yes, it may have felt like that at the time, but it certainly was not the truth.  Were we able to do things that some other kids got to do?  No.  It does not mean that we did not have fun.  As tough as Daddy may have been, he also had a soft side – a compassionate side.  It showed up a bit later in our lives, but it was there all along and was probably the man my mom fell in love with all those years prior to us children arriving.

Daddy may have been tough, but we knew he loved us.  That was never a question.  He held us accountable and surprised us with fun times in so many different ways.  He was always there for us and would show up whenever called upon.  He reminds me so much of my husband and how he shows up for our children.  When the call comes for help with a house project, he is there.  When there is a need for him to help with one of the grandchildren, he is there.  He, as well, has unconditional love and incredible support for the children.

There is only one father, though, who parents with the perfect amount of compassion, our Dear Lord.  Our Lord guides us, supports us, listens to us, understands all we go through, and unconditionally loves us.  No matter how we may disappoint Him, He never turns His back on us.  Every day, our sinful nature arises, and our Lord looks upon us, knowing we are going to let Him down.  Yet, He never leaves us or forsakes us.  Just the opposite, He keeps us close – close enough to die on the cross for our every-day sins.  This Lord, this compassionate God, is the highest Father.

Every one of us had a different childhood.  Some childhoods are filled with great memories.  Other childhoods have despair and anger.  What we need to remember is that God is there for all of us.  He is the Father for each of us and will always give us exactly what we need – His love!  On this Father’s Day, I would like to say thank you to all the fathers out there.  To my own dad who now resides with Jesus, I say, “Thank you – you deserve the best seat in the heavenly house.”

Dearest Father, thank you for showing compassion to each of your children on earth!  Amen!