~ written by Connie Dunmyer
My dad just turned 90. He is not in good health, neither physically nor mentally. All my life, my dad has talked about his desire to “go home” to heaven. And by all appearances, he will soon finally join my mom, his parents, and countless numbers of those he pastored, and of course see Jesus. I can't remember a time when he would say the Name "Jesus" without it causing emotion in his voice. He loves Jesus so much.
So with all this, I’ve been living on Memory Lane for a while. Indulge me, please.
A favorite dad-memory of mine is that he would quite often – even on Thanksgiving – eat dessert before his meal. His reason was always the same: “What if Jesus comes back before I get to dessert. I would miss out on dessert.”
Can’t argue with that logic. Just a dad-thing.
Another dad-memory close to my heart is from when I was in Junior High. Our combined music classes performed a version of “Wizard of Oz”. During the finale, I was part of the munchkins (naturally) that were lined up on both sides of the stage on the stairs. So I had a perfect view of the entire audience. My parents sat in the middle of the auditorium. And as we were singing our final song, before we finished the final note, my dad stood up and began applauding. He was the only one standing for what seemed, to my 13-year-old mind, an interminable amount of time. In likelihood it was less than a minute. Finally others stood and applauded. At first I was so embarrassed. I’m sure my face turned beet red. But then I realized how special it was that my dad was the first to his feet.
It was such a dad-thing to do.
When I had German measles, my dad sat beside me in the darkened room, and would gently rub my arms that itched so badly. He would sit for hours, telling me stories, and rubbing my arms, until I could go to sleep.
Such a dad-thing.
Just recently, I heard a story about a four-year-old little girl who somehow fell over the edge on a cruise ship. She was on the fourth level and fell directly into the water. Immediately, without thinking, this little girl’s father jumped into the water to save her. And ultimately, the ship was able to rescue both of them. But when I heard about it, I just thought, “what a dad-thing to do”!
Which kind of reminds me of when my dad tried to teach me to swim. He had me lunge to him from the side and he would “catch me”. The goal, of course, is that I would end up in the water and begin to swim naturally. Except that I sank like a rock. Again, it seemed like a long time. But in fact, my dad quickly reached down and grabbed me out of the water.
A very dad-thing to do.
What man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! – Matthew 7:9-11 NKJV (emphasis added)
". . . your Father knows what you need before you ask him. . . So do not worry, . . . your heavenly Father knows that you need them." - Matthew 6:8,31,32 NIV
Not everyone has a good earthly father. If you do/did, consider yourself most fortunate. But the Good News is we ALL have a good heavenly Father, Who loves us even more than our earthly fathers, with a perfect love. He is the first to comfort us when we’re hurt. He is the first to stand up for our defense. He is the first to reach us at our lowest possible point, and lift us up. And when we were enslaved by sin, He leaped to the rescue, sacrificed His most Beloved, and made a way for us to be free. Sometimes it may seem like He is taking a long time. But in truth, the Father's timing is perfect. He is working all things for our good. (Romans 8:28). We simply need to trust Him.
How Deep The Father’s Love for Us
How deep the Father's love for us, how vast beyond all measure
that He should give His only Son to make a wretch His treasure.
How great the pain of searing loss. The Father turns His face away
as wounds which mar the Chosen One bring many sons to glory.
Behold the Man upon the cross, my sin upon His shoulders.
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice call out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held Him there until it was accomplished;
His dying breath has brought me life. I know that it is finished.
I will not boast in anything: no gifts, no power, no wisdom.
But I will boast in Je-sus Christ: His death and resurrection.
Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer.
But this I know with all my heart: His wounds have paid my ransom.
What love! What sacrifice! What power! What reward!
What a “Dad-thing” to do!!