The Love of A Father

When I was 8 years old, my family was downtown browsing the shops one Saturday afternoon, when I said to my dad, “I have to go to the bathroom… do you know where I can go?” He looked around, pointed to a nearby restaurant and said, “Go in there and ask if you can use the bathroom.” I said, “All by myself? No!” He replied, “Just walk in like you know where you’re going.” I begged him to go in with me, but he refused. He wanted me to learn how to depend on myself and to always be confident in any situation. I did as he instructed, found the bathroom, and I remember feeling very empowered and proud of myself afterwards. It was a scary thing to do for a kid, but I learned how to carry myself that day.

Fast forward to 33 years old. After 7 years of marriage and a lot of heartache, I trusted in God’s instruction for my life and decided to end the relationship and move out. This was the final time my parents would help me move my things. After getting all of my stuff into this gross, little apartment, I stood in the hallway with my dad and I felt like I was 10 years old again—scared to do this thing called life “all by myself.” He asked me, “Are you okay?” I said, “Yea, I’m good.” He replied, “But are you doing okay up HERE?” and he put his finger on the side of my temple. The strong woman he molded me into broke a little bit, and tears filled up my eyes. After everything I had been through, I didn’t feel ashamed to cry in front of the strongest man I know because I wasn’t feeling okay, and he could see it…

He said to me, “The older you get, the more life beats you down. There’s always gonna be something that’s weighing on you or stressing you out, but you still have to enjoy life and be happy. You have to focus on what you CAN do, not what you CAN’T do.” I hugged him and wiped my tears away. To this day, when I wake up feeling the weight of my pain and stress, and like the day is going to be a waste, I simply ask myself: “What CAN I do today?” and even if I only get one thing done, I feel like the proud little girl who learned that nothing can stop me if I never give up.

Now, if there’s one thing I’ve learned about trusting and loving my relationship with my heavenly Father it’s this… Christians don’t have any easier of a life than the next person. We get scoffed at by others at times because we seem so joyful, carefree, and optimistic, but I can assure you that our lives have just as many trials and unpleasantries as anyone. However, we tend to at least try and rejoice in each day because we trust that God’s plan is the BEST plan of all the paths this broken world has to offer. God has the ability to turn darkness into light, obstacles into blessings, and pain into the very thing that draws us closer to Him. In fact, now at 36, my life motto ended up being advice from both my earthly father and my heavenly Father! “Always try to better yourself.” Life is hard and we will all experience pain; however, we can trust God’s word as the guidebook on how to better ourselves. This motto is the reason that I never accept situations that damage my joy, and is the word of advice that I lean into for encouragement to seek happiness and peace. Fathers are meant to encourage, support, and guide with love, and without judgement. Take comfort in knowing that at any age, we can run to God and break down into tears… He will be there to help us pick up the pieces of ourselves and press on into wholeness. Make a choice today to stop accepting things that can be changed for the better, and stand on God’s promises for living your best life, and being the best you!

Whoever you are, or wherever you are on this Father’s Day, remember to honor our true heavenly Father as our creator and protector, and allow His words to be your ultimate source of guidance. The truth is, I was never alone when I walked into that restaurant, or left my marriage to rebuild my life… or during any other hardship in this life—God was with me each step of the way, just as He is with you. He sees every tear, hears every silent prayer, and watches over us while we sleep. Thank you Lord for being the Father that we can all rely and depend on. The love of a Father is the most special and beautiful gift, which knows no limits, has no conditions, and is truly everlasting. Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there!

“God is the Father from whom all fatherhood derives its name.” -Ephesians 3:20

Written by: Michelle TK

Footprints:

One night I dreamed a dream.
As I was walking along the beach with my Lord.
Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand,
One belonging to me and one to my Lord.

After the last scene of my life flashed before me,
I looked back at the footprints in the sand.
I noticed that at many times along the path of my life,
especially at the very lowest and saddest times,
there was only one set of footprints.

This really troubled me, so I asked the Lord about it.
“Lord, you said once I decided to follow you,
You’d walk with me all the way.
But I noticed that during the saddest and most troublesome times of my life,
there was only one set of footprints.
I don’t understand why, when I needed You the most, You would leave me.”

He whispered, “My precious child, I love you and will never leave you
Never, ever, during your trials and testings.
When you saw only one set of footprints,
It was then that I carried you.”