Thankful for Fathers

I was blessed to have a wonderful father. I have so many good memories of who he was to me and how he made a difference in my life. I remember how he made me feel like I mattered. I remember him encouraging me when I played sports. I did not have a lot of self confidence as a child but he always had a way of making me feel like I could do anything. He would listen to me talk about academic stuff and discuss things with me on an equal level. He never belittled me or made me feel less. I grew up in an environment that fostered my lack of self confidence so looking back on it now I can see God's hand in my father's words and encouragement. My daddy was a man of very few words so he did not always verbally tell me he loved me but I knew it. I knew it with every part of me and I consider that a gift. I never struggled to understand the love of a father.


My girls have that kind of father too. Danny has worked so hard at being a good dad. He has listened and learned over the years. He has sacrificed and given a part of himself to his girls. Anyone who knows Danny at all knows that he is all man. He loves to hunt and to fish and to be outdoors. He is strong and knows how to do most anything. When God gave him all girls, he wondered what in the world he was going to do with them. But he learned, much to his delight, that girls can play sports and hunt and fish and shoot guns too. And over the years he has learned about hair and makeup and clothes and emotions. The relationship he has with each of his girls is precious. They each have their own special connection. He is a man of a lot of words and has no problem telling them he loves them all the time. They know it too. With every part of their being they know they are loved by their daddy. They do not struggle to understand the love of a father.


I have so many friends that don't have that kind of experience. They struggle greatly to understand the love of a father. Their view of a father is harsh and uncaring and belittling and hurtful. But they are loved unconditionally by our heavenly Father. We all are. He tells us in His Word. He shows us in His creation. He lets us know in His still small voice. He wants us to feel Him. To know Him. To love Him back.


So today, even if you don't have an earthly example, talk to the Father. Tell Him what you are thinking. Share your life with Him. Tell Him your hurts. Tell Him your fears. Tell Him you want to feel loved. 


He will listen. In fact, He already knows it all. So sit a while with Him today. Or walk along beside Him during your busy schedule. Look into His face and know that you are cared for. Let Him assure you that He is there. Sit still and know with every part of your being that you are Loved!

So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. 

Instead, you received God's Spirit when He adopted you 

as His own children. Now we call Him, "Abba, Father."  

Romans 8:15 new living translation