"that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me."
John 17:23 NKJV
Growing up, I actually didn't think much about Father God. When I thought of God I always thought of my Savior and Friend, Jesus. The truth is, Father God was a stranger to me, much like my earthly father became to me in the years after he left mama and us kids for another woman. I knew he was still my dad and that in some way he still loved me, but the truth was, in the real ways that a good father cares for, provides for, protects and is interested and involved in the life of their child, my father was no longer there for me. It wasn't until I was married with children of my own that one Father's Day weekend, mourning my lack of a close relationship with my own father, I suddenly realized how well Father God had cared for me in my dad's absence. He had cared for, provided for and protected me in very real and evident ways. I realized that all along, my Father God had indeed been interested and involved in my life. There hasn't been a Father's Day since, that I haven't paused to thank God for being such a good Father to me. (Join me for the rest of this post on Sunday, June 21st, at Woman to Woman Ministries, where each Sunday I share a bit of Sunday Soul Food!)
still following,
I commented over where you shared, but just wanted to drop by! Father's Day is always a little hard - because even though I know God is the BEST Father - it's a day that makes me realize what I missed. My heart was full yesterday - My husband is the best day. We have new grands (one not even a week old) - and my sons are good, good days. I thank God for bringing me into His heart - and becoming my Dad, though it took me a long time to understand who I was to him. Your message was a message too many young women need today! Shalom, Elizabeth - thanks for sharing your message! ~ Maryleigh
ReplyDelete