MY FATHER

June is the month of Father’s Day.  And oh how I miss mine!  He was only 48 years old when he died – I was 22.  I still remember so well his smile, his laugh, his face, his love of children.  He worked hard all his life for very little reward.  The oldest of ten children, he served in Germany in World War II.  My favorite picture is of the two of us – me, 4 years old, and he, squatting on his heels as he usually sat, resplendent in his Army uniform.  His arm is around me, the biggest, broadest, proudest smile wreathing his face.  He loved me so.

But I have another Father.  He lives in heaven as does my Dad.  Although I’ve never seen my Father’s face, he is no less real to me than my Dad was.  He created me and made me in His image.  He breathed life into my body in my mother’s womb.  He knew my name before I was born.  He called me his child.

My Dad gave me 3 spankings in my life and I recall each one – short, hard swats to my behind.  He made his point but always in love.  My Father, by His rod, has snapped me back “into line” numerous times – never to hurt me, but to get my attention.  I never wanted to fail Him again, although I do every day by my thoughts and sometimes by my actions. But each time my Dad swatted me, 20 minutes later we were laughing and eating buttered popcorn, everything forgiven, tears dried, and peace restored.

So it is with my heavenly Father.  I am “swatted,” but instantly forgiven, immediately back in his favor after admitting my mistakes and begging His forgiveness.  I imagine his eyes are kind, even moist with empathy for me.  There is no anger on His face, only glowing love for me.  He does not recount my sins but forgets them.  “What sin?” He says.

My Dad loved me unconditionally, with an earthly love, even when I at times misbehaved.  My heavenly Father loves me “as big as the sky and back again.”  I cannot begin to fathom my Father’s love for me.  I don’t need to.  I feel it when I pray, when I sin, when I live.  I can count on it always being there, forever and ever, Amen.

“Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name.”  Matthew 6:9