How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind

take refuge in the shadow of your wings. (Psalm 36:7)

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Were you blessed with a Daddy who showed you glimpses of the Heavenly Father?

 DADDY

“Faster, Daddy! Faster!” Riding on the white horse named Bluebird at my grandparents’ ranch in Texas with my father. Flying across the field, dust billowing behind us, hair blowing wildly in the wind, laughing and not afraid. Daddy was there in control of the reins.

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:6)

DADDY

Riding in the back of the station wagon. No seat belt–1962. My brother and I playing, watching the cars pass, calling out our colors in a game called “Keep It.” No thought of fear or worry, falling asleep peacefully. Daddy was driving.

If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

(Proverbs 3:24)

 DADDY

Name-calling, pushing, shoving. Bullies in school. Daddy said life was unfair, to hold our heads high, to not be like them. He would talk with the principal.

The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” (Exodus 14:14)

 DAD

First date. Rules and expectations. A hug and kiss goodbye. Curfew reminder. Waving on the porch. Waiting with the lights on. Reading and looking at his watch, over and again. Hearing the car approach. Rising to open the front door. Sharing a quiet talk before a hug and kiss goodnight.

The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore. (Psalm 121)

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 Not everyone had a Daddy like this but those of us who did knew and understood something about God’s love and security from our father at an early age. For some, the Father’s Image was seen through another child’s Daddy instead of their own or even through an encounter with a stranger. But the perception of what the Heavenly Father is like was planted. The seed could grow into faith.

We need Godly examples for our children, men who reflect the Image of the Heavenly Father in their words, their actions, their lives. Children need a Daddy who shows them a love, a guidance, a sacrifice like the Father of us all. But sadly, too many examples are missing in children’s lives today. Seeds are not being planted to raise those who will follow the Lord.

Every child needs a Daddy. Every child deserves to see the Father in that Daddy.

Who will be the example?

 

 

(Sharon  G. Tate blog 06/16/19) teacherforjesus.com Meditations on God’s Word