Some think that God is just waiting around to punish us at our next mistake because all they remember is their daddies punishing them. Some think that God isn't really a part of our lives because neither was their dad. Yet, some are super blessed to have a constant, loving father very present in their lives. (Notice I didn't say perfect because there is no such thing.)
As Justin walked in Friday night after taking Jamie's "still has the temporary tags because it's that new" new truck to show Nikki and Stephen some land, I was blessed to watch as Justin got to see a picture of what a loving God we have through Jamie's response to a not so pleasant accident.
The three of them walked into the kitchen where Jamie and I were finishing up dinner. The look on their face was obvious that something wasn't right, and they were a little, I mean a lot, nervous. Then again, everyone is always playing jokes around here so I wasn't sure what was going on.
Justin started by saying that the gate wasn't working right. As he pulled through it, the gate didn't stay open like usual, and it shut on the truck resulting in several scratches down the back right side. I think Nikki was biting her lip out of fear of how Jamie was going to react, and Stephen began to confirm and testify for Justin that the gate was malfunctioning. I can remember Nikki even saying "we prayed that they would go away!"I asked how big the scratches were, and I think all three of them held their hands up different lengths:) Nikki and I stayed in the kitchen as the guys went out to look at it.
A few minutes later, the guys returned, and to be honest, I was waiting for someone to say something, but they came in and acted like nothing had ever happened...not a word about the truck.
I wanted to bring it up, but I've really been trying to learn to be 'slow to speak'. I know some of you are laughing as I've been known to talk anyone's ears off. But allowing the Holy Spirit to lead and not forcing things is actually quite peaceful!!!
We grabbed our plates and ate dinner, giggled at stories, and enjoyed an evening of catching up. Not a word was ever said about the truck rather everyone having a great time!
The next day, as Justin was leaving out for work, I walked out to look at the truck myself. To my surprise, it wasn't 'as bad' as I had envisioned (aren't most things!). I asked Justin 'What did Daddy say when he saw it last night?" Justin replied, "He looked at it and said 'it's a farm truck'." I smiled and told Justin to have a good day at work, and as I walked in the house I thanked God for Jamie's response.
It wasn't as if he didn't care about the truck that he had been saving to buy, but he cared more about Justin's heart!!
God is a loving, patient, and caring God. He cares about our souls so much that He sent His only Son to die so that we may live with Him eternally. That is BIG!!
Does He correct us? Discipline us? Absolutely!
"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:11
Who loves his child more- a father who allows the child to do what will harm him, or the one who corrects, trains, and even punishes the child to help him learn what is right?
Justin knew what was right. He didn't drive the truck into the gate or sit there intentionally after it opened in order for the gate to close on it to purposely scratch it. Even so, Jamie's words could have been so much different and probably would have if it weren't for Jamie, himself, realizing years ago what a loving God we serve.
I'm not, in any way, saying Jamie is the perfect Dad (although I think he's pretty darn close:). Jamie could use a lot of excuses about his past to justify acting differently, but he determined in his heart years ago that he wanted our boys to have different.
Does he correct them? Oh yes! Does he punish them? Definitely! Has he done things he wished he wouldn't have? Most certainly! But he also can go to them, admit he was wrong, and ask for forgiveness.
Dads, your role in your child's life, no matter what age, is OH SO VERY IMPORTANT! Let me say it again... YOU ARE IMPORTANT in your child's life!
It doesn't matter if you feel like you screwed up 90% of the time... YOU HAVE TODAY!
First, RECEIVE our Heavenly Daddy's love & forgiveness as you fall at His feet!
Then, as the Holy Spirit leads, GO to your child! Talk to him or her! Restore that relationship no matter how ugly it might have been... God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to HIS POWER that is at work within us. (Ephesians 3:20)
If you have not heard Good, Good Father by Chris Tomlin, please take a few minutes to click here to listen...
Good, Good FatherHe really is Perfect In All Of His Ways!!
