Mike and I had our first Clarksville visit from our granddaughter Arden and her Mom and Dad (Jess and John) today! It was a sweet time to have her in our home and to dream about many more visits in the future. They came for a celebration of Father’s Day, especially for John’s first Father’s Day and Mike’s first grandfather’s day! (Jess celebrated her first Mother’s Day with Arden having been born less than 24 hours prior! How sweet and memorable!)
As I looked at our older son and his Dad taking turns holding Arden, my heart was melting as I thought about the many other fathers from years gone by and those in the years to come. What influence they have on a child; what responsibility they have to protect and love this child; what guidance they will give this/these children year after year? This is a heavy, awesome responsibility! How do they do it?!
I believe that it can only be done with the guidance of our heavenly Father. The Father of all fathers! The One who knew us before we were born! The One who loved us before we were born! The One who decided who our parents would be! Yes, this is He - God, the Father, who protects and guides and loves us more than we will ever know.
There is a story in Luke about the prodigal son who left home to try life on his own but found that it was not what he thought it would be. He returned home in hopes that he could take his place among the servants of his father.
So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
Luke 15:20
This is my image of a father. That father’s love could not have been any stronger, but he let his son go and experience life on his own. Thank goodness, the son KNEW that he could return home and take a lesser role in his father’s house. What would this story be like if the father had thrown him out and told him never to return again? Well, I doubt it would be included in the Bible! But all kidding aside, this is what many young boys/men experience today.
Every person on earth has a father. However different circumstances may not have that father as part of the child’s life. Fathers are crucial to the growth and development of young boys and girls, and you don't have to be the biological father to help these children. I know of men who have “mentored” young children in ways that only a “father” can, and it sent them on the right path into their future. There are so many situations where non-biological fathers are needed! Thank you, God, for stirring the hearts of these men to help in guiding a young person’s path!
God, I thank you that when we stray, we KNOW that we can return to you, and you will welcome us with open arms. Our son and daughter-in-law are experiencing the development of a love that only comes when there is a child in your life. This love never ends and never goes away!
Happy Father’s Day to all of you awesome Men! And thank you Arden for coming to visit Gran and Gramps!
Thanks for stopping by,
Rachel