#168of365 #FaithBites #FaithJourney

Before we get started, I wanted to wish all the father and father figures out there. I miss my father and love him much. Take time to wish a Happy Father’s day to everyone out there. You don’t have to be a biological father to be a Dad. And now, onto FaithBites.

Fatherhood

When you think of Fatherhood, what do you think of? Is it love and happiness? Is it someone who is always there? Is it someone who disappointed you? Is it unconditional love? Is it protection? What is it?

When I think of fatherhood, I always say that fatherhood should come with a cup (a.k.a an athletic supporter). One reason is the obvious, as a dad you get kicked in the jewels more times than not. The second is that you are getting hit many times by the media, from kids, from everyone about what a dad should be and what a dad shouldn’t be. It’s crazy at times.

Mostly though I think of love and sacrifice. My father loved me and sacrificed in the best way he could. He wasn’t perfect by far and made many mistakes. He was abusive at times, self-centered, but also very loving and wanted the best for his kids. For me as a father,  I think of love and sacrifice. I have given up countless hours of sleep, time with friends, video game playing, going out, and doing things for me. I have don’t these not out of necessity but out of desire. I wanted to be the best father I can and to share as much love as I can with my children. I will never say I’m a good father, as actions speak louder than words. I try and fail. But then I try, try, and try again. I would love to be a Good Father like our God, but I know I can never be at that level of a father but I try.

His fatherhood is also about love and sacrifice.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command.” – John 15:12-14

“As a father has compassion on his children,
    so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;” – Psalm 103:13

Love is all across scripture. Love God, Love People. God’s undying love and desire for reconciliation with us through Christ. He showed ultimate sacrifice by giving up his son to be the lamb for the sins of the world. I don’t know about you, but I don’t think there is anything I would sacrifice my children for. Sacrifice myself, yes, easily any time for them. But to sacrifice them for something else? I can’t fathom that. To love so much, so fully, to desire for us to be reconnected to him, that’s so powerful. So amazing.

Let’s face it, there are times when my children drive me up the wall. They are screaming, yelling, being stubborn, not listening, not being respectful, and the list goes on and on. But through that all, I love them and forgive them. I tell them I don’t like your behavior but I love you no matter what.

Our heavenly father never loses his cool. He never yells at us. Be he sacrifices and forgives all of our sins, all of our walking away, all of everything we do because he loves us. Amazing.

Do you love your heavenly father? Do you recognize the love and sacrifice he gives to you no matter what?

I love him and recognize his love and sacrifice with the help of God.