A lot has been written about our earthly father and his influence upon our lives. You know…
“I am who I am today because of my father.” (Positive)
“I am who I am today because of my father.” (Negative)
“My father’s example was one I wanted to emulate.”
“My father’s example was not one I wanted to emulate.”
“I desire to raise my children the same way my father raised me.”
“I desire to raise my children differently than my father raised me.”
I could go on and on. Many people who are much smarter and wiser than me have said, “Your view of God is very often tied to your view of your earthly father.” In my case, I concur. Conditional love and acceptance. AWOL at times. Preoccupied with other things. I could go on but this is not a body slam on my late father.
I know some, many who have come to see me in my office or at a meal, who have screamed for a father who loved them. “What was wrong with me?” “Why couldn’t he just love me the way I was?” “Why did he try to live his life through me?” The litany goes on. Little girls especially need their father to be more than a biological necessity.
During Pastor Appreciation Month (which is also my birthday month) our worship leaders had this wood hanging made for me. I treasure it. I have it displayed on a table in my office. It just might be the first thing people see when they walk by or enter.
The song I’m highlighting today is one of my favorites from which this plague comes. Hope you enjoy it.
What a beautiful testimony of your faithful pastoral role, your fatherly compassion for your flock, Bill. I love that your people love you.
And oh … that song. So meaningful.
Sabbath afternoon blessings, friend.
Thanks Linda. I am honored to serve these folks. Yeah…that song!
I agree with Linda! This is also one of my absolute favorites when it comes to praise music. A powerful reminder of how much our Father loves us.
Blessings, Bill!
Glad you are part of my tribe Martha. Or is it that I’m part of yours? 🙂
Love the song Bill and how blessed you are brother to be surrounded with people who love you and want to bless.
I am blessed far more than I deserve Betty.
I concur about dads. We get to choose our perspectives, regardless of our fallen world and earthly fathers.
It all points to our heavenly Father that is perfect love.
Thanks for the reminder. Great gift. You’re a blessed man, to state the obvious.
I am a blessed man Floyd. I am reminded of that every day.
Hi Bill! I LOVE that wall plaque. What a great support to you in all you do. Man, you know you are making a difference, and that’s the most you can ask, right?
My dad was a good dad, but not home a lot due to a tough job that demanded a lot of his time. I really got to know him best after my mom died. What a great guy! I’m so grateful for that time together.
Sunday blessings,
Ceil
I was blown away by the plaque Ceil. I look at it and it not only reminds me of the folks who had it made, it reminds me of the Father’s love.