Following the Father

I've often said the real start of my understanding of God began when I became a parent. All of the sudden, things I'd been taught my whole life took on a new clarity...

He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:2-3

Children want their parents. Yes, they need them, too, but a child's innocent bond with his father and mother can't be expressed in words. They try: "up, daddy." Think about that picture. The child wants to be closer to his father, but is helpless to reach him... unless dad bends down and pulls the child to himself. Sound familiar?

When the Oldest Musketeer was old enough to start wondering where dad went all day, every day, it led to a conversation about what a "job" is... the whole 'earning-money-so-we-can-have-food" basic connection.

So what did I hear when I gave him a kiss goodbye the next morning? "But I'm not hungry." That is one of the most awesome memories I carry in life. And I'm blessed three times over with boys to love and be loved by.

Parenting isn't all Hallmark moments, though. We get to watch our children struggle with the selfish nature, just as our parents did with us. We become frustrated over their failures--the first time you know they consciously lied to your face. The time they break the one thing in the room you told them to leave alone. There are times I wonder "why don't they just trust me and do the right things?"

And at those moments, another Father quietly says "I understand..."

But to be called "Father." How absolutely unworthy all of us men are to share that name! And how unworthy we are to call Him 'Father!' I may be a grown man in the world's eyes, but I'm no more able to reach Him than my children were when they were toddling around. How grateful I am that He reaches down to us, looking for those who will let Him do the lifting.

"Up, daddy! Please!"