Children are some of the most amazing people! After working with children for around six years, I’ve found that they never cease to amaze me. Everything from their creative imaginations, to their need for fun, to their blunt honesty, and their ever-fluctuating emotions, it’s no wonder that Jesus tells us that the kingdom of heaven is “of such” (Matt. 19:14) The innocence, purity, and unwavering faith of children is something that we as adults should always strive for.
Almost two and a half years ago, I became a father. God saw fit to bless Keri and I with our wonderful little girl, Jazmine. Ever since then, she has been a constant lesson and reminder to me of exactly what it means to have a Father’s love. It’s something that we all think we understand before actually becoming parents. After all, we know what love is. As children, we loved our stuff animals, toys, chicken nuggets, and pizza. As teens, we “loved” that special someone and couldn’t wait to see them again. As adults, we love our spouses, jobs, things, etc. However, there is nothing that can prepare you for experiencing a father’s love until you’ve become one yourself.
As a child, I knew that my dad loved me. He told me so quite often. He’d take me fishing, or go play with me on the dirt hill. He’d go off to work graveyards, and the next day around 11, knock on the wall to let me know that he was awake. I’d go running to my parent’s room, throw open the door, and hop into my daddy’s arms. My father is a hard worker, and always made sure that my mother and I were clothed, fed, and had a few fun things to keep us busy. Some of my fondest memories of my childhood were at bedtime whenever my dad would tuck me into bed. He’d always tell me silly stories he made up about wiggle worms, monkeys and such. He’d chop his arm down, and with a shout of “TIMBER!” let it fall on me like a giant tree. Inevitably, as he’d scratch my head, I’d fall off to happy, dreamy sleep. You see, I knew that my father loved me, but had no idea how much he loved me!
The other night, I was tucking Jazzy into bed. For some reason, she’d chosen me that night to help her get to sleep, and we were in the process of calming her down (not an easy thing to do) Jazmine will lay there, cover up and either say “Pat! Pat!” while patting her back to get us to pat her to sleep, or sometimes she’ll say “Sing shhhh! shhhh! baby...” which is her way of saying “Hush, Little Baby.” Oftentimes, it’s both. That night, we had one of those little moments in time that are unplanned, unrehearsed, and totally honest. Through her sleepy eyes, she looked up at me, smiled, and simply reached up with both hands to touch my cheeks. She began to caress my face in a way that only an innocent child can, and in that moment, I knew that she loved me, and that I loved her. I experienced a father’s love at it’s purest and unconditional form. It was one of those times that I knew that I would do or sacrifice anything to keep her safe and make sure that she grew up to live a life that reflects Christ. It really was a Kodak moment, and I probably shed a tear or two.
It’s in those times that we forget all of the tantrums, the defiant “NO!” the spilled milk, and torn up catalogues. It’s in those moments that we don’t mind the soiled diapers, flung spaghetti, potty training, and retrieving that one toy she threw down the diaper genie for no good reason (trust me, no one should EVER have to dig in one of those things....) It’s in those moments that we slowly begin to get a grasp on how much the Father truly loves us....
You see, as a father, my love is conditional. I can become angry or disappointed with my child, and the emotion can change. Sure, I still care about her, but during those times of “baby rebellion,” my feelings toward her don’t represent Kodak moments! When she’s good, I “feel” more loving towards her. Whenever she’s not so good, I “feel” more... corrective... towards her. It’s a subtle difference in that it’s still an expression of love, just not one that either of us enjoys. Even so, as parents, we live for those special moments of intimacy with our children when they, for whatever reason, just love us with a pure and unashamed admiration. It can be a look, a laugh, a touch on the cheek, or one of those tight squeezes with little arms and sloppy kisses hugs. Whatever the method, those time are preserved in our memories forever.
Think about this: if I as a father look for those instances with my child, how much more does our heavenly Father look for those instances with us? If I as a father can love my daughter this much, how much more does God, our perfect heavenly Father, love us? Like a father’s love, I believe that we can only get a glimpse or some sort of vague concept of how much God truly does love and care for us. The heart of a loving father isn’t something that can be explained or imagined. It simply must be experienced through your own children. In this same way, I think our own understanding of the Father’s love is limited. I think I get some sort of a shallow understanding of God’s love when Jazmine takes the time to let me know that she does, in fact, adore me. However, no matter how many of those Kodak moments we have, I don’t think we will ever really know how much He truly does love us. Even when we’re with Him in eternity, I figure it’s probably unlikely that we will ever understand or comprehend His love.
I John 4:8 tells us that “God is love.” We can experience love, even in the ultimate expression found towards our children and our spouses. However, we can never become love. More importantly, we must understand that God, too, has given everything for those special moments. Consider all that He has given freely to us with no guarantee of any sort of return! People reject and walk away from God every day. Sometimes, those who have long entered into fellowship with Him decided that something else is better, and run to that instead. What’s more, He knows who will accept Him and who will reject Him. This makes it all the more important for those of us who call Him “Abba, Father” to take the time to spend with Him. I’ve often said the only thing that Jesus was guilty of was wanting to love us. We need to be sure that we are not guilty of not returning His love. How do we do this? Through the following:
1.Love God, Love Others
-We need to love God most of all. However, our love for Him must be reflected in our love for others.
2.Hear and obey the Word.
-John 15:9 & 10 reads:
As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love.
We hear Jesus’ commandments through the Word. Whenever we do what the Word says, then we are expressing our love to God.
3.Spend time with God.
-Relationships are always built over time. Without time spent together, there can be no relationship! Imagine marrying someone you just met on the street! There’s no real way that could work because you’ve never spent time together! Relationships take time to build, and not just casual time in each others presence. Quality time is of the essence! Unless we spend time with God praying, worshipping, and in His Word, we will never come to know Him any better. He already knows everything about you and loves you unconditionally, so it is imperative that we take the time to learn more about Him.
There is no better substitute for establishing a relationship with the Father than spending time with Him. The Bible tells you how He feels about you. That’s why it’s so important to read and understand it. The time you spend with God is how you tell Him how you feel about Him! Don’t approach your time with God as a “God bless me” approach! Use that time to express your love towards Him. The one thing that God is looking for from us is our love and fellowship. That’s why He created us in the first place! Our purpose is to first love God, then to love others. When we concentrate on that, we will have “Kodak moments” with God. Take the time to reach up and caress His face and let Him know that in spite of all the little things, you still love your Father.
