So much has happened since my last blog entry. I have a lot to tell you about a Mission Trip we took to Mexico last week. God did a lot of work in me while I was gone. I would love to tell you about it now but I haven't fully processed it all yet. Everyone asks me how it went and all I can think to say is "It was HOT". When I get it processed I will be back here to share it with you all.
Until then I wanted to take a moment to reflect on Father's day. Like every other church in the city, we had a Father's day message today. I remember back in the day when I HATED Father's day. I especially hated in when my birthday fell on Father's day because "if I had a step-dad at the time" it was all about him. I just remember the anger that would build at this time of year. It was funny to me today to see how far God has brought me.
They had all of the Fathers stand up at church and had their kids gather around them. I was sitting in the soundbooth looking out over the crowd and I was struck by how many amazing Fathers there are in our group. You could see and feel the love pouring out in the families as they gathered together in prayer. I felt tears of joy stream down my face for those kids whose Father's just wrapped their arms around them and hugged them. The bitterness about my Dad (or lack of one) was missing this year. Then I looked down in the crowd and saw Josh sitting there and my heart ached for him. His Daddy would have been such an AWESOME Dad. Tears of heartbreak mixed in with the tears of joy but still...the bitterness was gone.
Then..I was so gently reminded that even for those of us who don't have a Father with us now..that we will ALWAYS have a Father in heaven. He is looking down on us and letting us know that we are accepted, and loved, and wanted. Psalms 27:10 (NLT) says "Even if my Father and Mother abandon me, the LORD will hold me close." I think it is important for us to remember that God is always giving us a Fatherly hug and He'll never let go.
If you are lucky enough to have your Father around, hug him tight. If your Mom has filled the role..hug her close and let her know that you appreciate her fatherly efforts as well. If you don't happen to have your father around, for whatever reason, just know that your Father in heaven thinks you're pretty special and wants to fill that role.
Have a blessed week.
