Folks are thinking about Father’s Day. For over a decade I haven’t had my Dad to call but there are so many memories I hold dear in my heart.
And it makes my heart swell when I hear my kids and my husband say I wish Grandpa was here so he could do this or that. That honors his name and it brings a tear to my eye.
“Grandchildren are the pride and joy of old age, and children take great pride in their parents.” Proverbs 17:6 ERV
It also fills me with joy when our kids, adults now, want to spend time with us doing the things they know really mean something and bring us joy. Just being with our kids is a joy-filled moment. I love when they call and want to talk to Dad, “I need to ask his advice or have him help me with something.”
“Good people live right, and God blesses the children who follow their example.” Proverbs 20:7 CEV
I think it’s every loving father’s desire to see his children grow up to act and look like him.
He teaches them things when they are young and spends time with them as they grow and develop. It’s great when his kids like the things he likes and mirror him in their life decisions. No, he doesn’t want puppets – he wants kids that make good quality decisions and that mature into respectable young people and adults.
You know, our heavenly Father wants the same. So many times we read in the Bible that we are to follow our Father’s example and be like him. This is what Jesus was saying at the Sermon on the Mount.
“You have heard people say, “Love your neighbors and hate your enemies.” 44 But I tell you to love your enemies and pray for anyone who mistreats you. 45 Then you will be acting like your Father in heaven. He makes the sun rise on both good and bad people. And he sends rain for the ones who do right and for the ones who do wrong. 46 If you love only those people who love you, will God reward you for that? Even tax collectors love their friends. 47 If you greet only your friends, what’s so great about that? Don’t even unbelievers do that? 48 But you must always act like your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:43-48 CEV
God, the Father, brings good to all – rain and sunshine. He has offered freely to all new life and desires relationship with everyone.
Let’s model His character today and reach out to all, even those who aren’t as nice to us as we would like. In doing so we are letting the love of the Father shine through us.
“Do as God would do. Much-loved children want to do as their fathers do. 2 Live with love as Christ loved you. He gave Himself for us, a gift on the altar to God which was as a sweet smell to God.” Ephesians 5:1-2 NLV
Make today and every day Father’s Day by honoring our heavenly Father.