Grand Father.
I had the blessing of being raised by my grandfather. When Father’s day comes around, I can’t help but day dream about the sweet memories of growing up under the loving care of a strong gracious man.
My grandfather was an extraordinary man. Not only did he initially raise his large family, he later on raised many grandchildren, of which I am one. Regardless of the fact that his personal attention was needed by so many, he knew us all personally and he was interested in every single one of us. We spent countless evenings listening to him and my grandmother tell us stories about their childhood, travels and his service as a health worker in colonial Zambia (Northern Rhodesia.)
To many in the our community grandpa was the go-to person for advice, prayer or for food. He was an incredibly successful farmer (in his retired years) who worked hard not only to make a living, but also to feed the needy.
Gracious and Generous.
Grandpa was a Christian man who taught us the values of honesty, respect and grace. One incident that demonstrated what a gracious man he was has stuck with me since I was 5 or 6 years old. My friends and I were in playing in grandpa’s garden one day, when we noticed a man stealing vegetables. We caught him red handed! We somehow managed to drag him (not literally) to the village and brought him before our grandpa. We knew grandpa was an honest man who had taught us never to steal. We figured, this thief was going to get it. Here he was, with all the evidence of the crime!
To our amazement, grandpa took the vegetables and graciously handed them to the man! If I remember correctly, he added on to the pile of food he had stolen and sent him on his way. We were stunned and confused by this gesture. Grandpa explained to us how the man was stealing because he was hungry. It had never occurred to us! To say we were embarrassed is an understatement. There were other instances when he dealt with theft by involving the law, but this particular time was a precious moment I will never forget. He was teaching us something important. Grace looks beyond the sin, sees the need and gives generously.
Today as I watch my husband relate with our daughters, I’m amazed at how incredibly gracious and strong he is with them. I have many times stood at a distance, fighting back tears and just watching how blessed our girls are to have such a loving gracious father. He is completely interested in everything they do and they in turn love and adore him just like I loved and adored grandpa.
Grace looks beyond the sin, sees the need and gives generously
Heavenly Father.
Whether you have a father figure or not, we all long for someone to love us graciously and completely. Some of us have lost our dads, have had major letdowns from our dads or never met our dads. You may be a dad longing for a good relationship with your kids and it just never seems to happen for you.
We do have a heavenly Father who loves us perfectly and completely. He is always there extending His gracious hand to us, drawing us into a beautiful relationship that compares to none. Even the best of fathers will fail us at one point or another. Our heavenly Father knows us best and loves us the most. Call on Him today and He will satisfy your longing for a perfect Father. Better yet, He will adopt you into His family forever!
Here is a Graham Kendrick song that beautifully describes how deeply your heavenly Father loves you.
Father Me (O father of the fatherless)
O father of the fatherless
In whom all families are blessed
I love the way you father me
You gave me life, forgave the past
Now in your arms I’m safe at last
I love the way you father me
Father me, forever you’ll father me
And in your embrace I’ll be forever secure
I love the way you father me
I love the way you father me
When bruised and broken I draw near
You hold me close and dry my tears
I love the way you father me
At last my fearful heart is still
Surrendered to your perfect will
I love the way you father me
If in my foolishness I stray
Returning empty and ashamed
I love the way you father me
Exchanging for my wretchedness
Your radiant robes of righteousness
I love the way you father me
And when I look into your eyes
From deep within my spirit cries
I love the way you father me
Before such love I stand amazed
And ever will through endless days
I love the way You father me
