My Other Dad

I have another father I would like to tell you about…

We know the story well. The Bible tells of a loving and forgiving father who never forgot about his son. He hoped he would come back, waiting and watching for his return. When he finally saw his son from a distance, he ran out to him. He didn't become angry – never demanded “why did you waste my hard-earned money?”
His forgiveness was conditional only in his son seeking forgiveness. Not to pay him back, but to admit that he had done wrong and did not deserve to be forgiven.

Being a father is an important yet difficult task. The authority and role of fathers is slowly fading into a sea of diminishing worth. We may even feel somewhat pushed to the side. We may question our role in a constantly changing world. We need a role model to look to as an example of what a father should be, yet at times we feel some of the models before us are far from ideal.

I know of a man whose qualities make me wish I had spent more time getting to know him.
Of the years I’ve known him, I have seen time and again the type of gentle spirit that sets him apart from other fathers I have met. Oh how I wish at times I was one of his sons, yet in the past few years, I'd felt so helpless and unable to seek him out and model myself after him.
As I have heard him say countless times, “my wife is number 1 in my life”… so too have I adopted this mantra. I’ve also seen how he has had nothing but love for his children and from what I’ve seen of him, I can only hope of becoming half the loving father that he is.

Yet my heart becomes heavy whenever I think that this man does not know my children. The blame is not on him. For years, I’ve imagined him looking out into the land, waiting for his prodigal –-- his daughter, my wife --– to return to him. For years, I wanted nothing more than for the two to be reconciled, now, more than ever. I fear that it may be too late – his memory may be starting to fade. I hope and pray everyday that his prodigal would soon return to him before time takes that chance away. I am so crazy in love with this family --- but foolish pride and hardened hearts have kept everyone apart.
Today was his birthday. I can only say I’m very proud to be his son-in-law. Deep down, I know he’s a great man.
Happy Birthday, Baky.

Always remember that our heavenly father loves us no matter what we have done. When we know we have sinned and truly are sorry and repentant, He is there ready to forgive us. We should NEVER be afraid of confessing our sins to Him. In fact He not only forgives us but throws a party, a celebration. May our children always know that they have a Father in heaven who will always be faithful and true.

Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:5: