Father Love

I met a man last week that left an impression on me.  He was well into the grandfather era, and radiated abundant life and passion for serving the Lord.

He was teaching a group of people who had a collection of tough life stories, the likes of which most of us have never come close to experiencing.

I heard him say that one of his goals was to find ways to show them what the love of a father is like, because very likely many of them didn’t experience this well from their own fathers.  And the purpose behind this was to give them an accurate picture of the love of Father God toward His children.

So there were frequent hugs all around.

There were words of endearment and encouragement.  ”You’re my child, and I love you.”  “You’re doing so great!”

 

There were beanie babies for all.

 

There were photos taken together.

 

He took them all out for supper.

 

He prayed over individuals time and again.

 

He gave them cards to write prayer requests on for him.  And he told them how he carries those cards in his pocket.

 

They were shown his special book where he writes important things, and where he has written each of their names down so he can keep praying for them through the years.

 

They were told of his excitement of returning in a few months and seeing them again, seeing how much they will have grown and changed by then.

 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

 

I watched.  And sometimes I had tears, because he was doing such a good job of accomplishing his goal that it was just a beautiful thing to see.  And because I saw how much they soaked it all up and loved him so dearly in return that they would have done anything for him and cried when he left.  And because it gave me fresh pictures of the love and enthusiasm my Father has for me...for all of us.

 

And it sent me on a ponder, too.  Why was I viewing this as a “special assignment” he had given himself?  Should this not be the goal/task of every believer?

 

“Show them what I am like.  Love them well.  Be my ambassador.”

 

It reminds me of a verse God highlighted for me a while ago.

 

“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children, and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Eph 5:1,2 NIV).