Note to my readers:
This week I wanted to do something a little different. I wrote this story a few years ago for my sons. I think this slightly modified version will bless you whether you are a father or not because the point of the story is something we all need to hear.
A father held his newborn son, thanking God with every breath. Through tears of joy, he explored every feature of the tiny face, committing each perfect inch to memory. He touched the little hands and marveled at the intricate detail of each miniature finger. He assessed each toe, each leg, each arm, and ear. And when he was satisfied that all was in order, he kissed the baby tenderly on the cheek. “I’ve been waiting for you”, he whispered, “It seemed like it took forever, but now you’re here.” From that moment, the father’s heart would never be the same. He could scarcely contain the love he felt spilling out from every pore. He would nurture and protect this fragile package with every ounce of his being. Never had that father seen anything so wonderfully made. He could hardly believe that this precious bundle belonged to him. Over the next few hours, he watched each movement the baby made, ready to respond to the slightest need. An unconditional bond was formed, and their souls were connected in an inseparable union.
The father took his responsibility seriously. He gently attended to each duty with eager anticipation, trying to make sure that his beloved son wanted for nothing. Although he knew it was unavoidable, he hated to hear his baby cry. “If I could, little one, I’d make it so you would never have to shed a tear,” he would often say as he walked the floor with his sleepless son.
Each passing day, the loving father watched his child grow. He thanked God for each new accomplishment and bragged to anyone who would listen. Never had he seen a more perfect child. He was the smartest infant ever! As days turned into months, the father rejoiced at the changes he saw in his son: first that he could roll over, then that he could sit up, and all too soon, that he was walking. Each achievement was met with hardy encouragement from the caring father, and being ever mindful of the learning process, he responded to each failure with comforting reassurance.
Words began a new chapter in both their lives. For the precocious little boy, a brand new world of learning electrified his young mind. For the father, it was not only an exercise in patience, but also a constant reminder of the importance of his role as a teacher. He wanted his son to be smart and wise. He would teach him to avoid the same mistakes that he had made. He would instruct his son how to be just and true, to have virtue and praise, to be honest and respected, and to make good decisions. He would show him the right way of believing and acting.
Months became years that passed all too quickly. And each year brought some sort of change to the father and son’s relationship. Some changes were good, and some were not. Sometimes it was a battle of wills, and sometimes it was sweet fellowship – and oh how the father loved those times! He celebrated with his son in all his victories and stood with him through all his losses. His help was never more than a phone call away. However, through it all, the kind and loving father never forgot that moment when he first held his newborn son and how all his prayers were answered that day. Oh, and that bond that was formed? It could not be broken.
The point of the story is… GOD IS OUR FATHER.
Because a newborn baby evokes such a caring response in a parent (in anyone really), I often think that God sees us like one. He sees us through a Father’s loving eyes, with tender compassion and a yearning desire to provide for us and protect us. He sees us as innocent, pure, and completely in need of His nurturing love and extraordinary kindness. And we can be like newborns before Him – depending on Him to fully provide for us and watch over us as we grow. God is a Father who only wants the best for His sons and daughters. He showers us with His grace and goodness, and He patiently guides our steps. He is never more than a prayer away. God’s love for us never fails and nothing can separate us from it.
When times are tough, or even when they’re not, we need to remind ourselves how much we are loved by God, our Father. It is an unconditional constant that we can rely on through any and every situation we face. God’s love is unchanging, unstoppable, and unending.
And God loves you!
End Note: Here’s a challenge for you… For the next 7 days, every time you look in the mirror, say to yourself, “God loves me.” Forget about whether you think you deserve it or not, (we don’t, but God loves us anyway), just remind yourself that God loves you. See what happens to your heart in a week. You may find that you want to continue this practice.
Love to all. Thanks for reading!