Its easy to think you are a great parent! I did. Then I had a baby who cries, and cries, and cries. As I watched my son beat most every one of our scheduling, medical, and social engineering concoctions for sleep, I came to the realization that I have some serious limitations. Thankful God’s parenting skills do not!
As I have sat up with my son coveting sleep, I’ve capture a better understanding of God’s fatherly love for us. Although my son is cute and personable as all-get-out, I still become weary, tired and irritable with the little dude after a few tough weeks. When his needs class with my sinful heart, my patience begins to evaporate.
But here is the great news: God’s loving patience for me never ends. Time and again, I sinfully wander away from the truth to worship my ego, stuff, and personal peace and affluence. I insult the very nature of God, the God who has given me way more than a onesies, a crib, and dissolvable food. Yet, God still loves me. He is continually gracious to me. He continues to lovingly discipline me. He continues to grow me in wisdom and understanding. He continues to provide me with health, food, an income. And, he continues forgives me, extending his merciful hand of fellowship through the blood of his son. Although I’m ready to tap out of fatherhood after a few rough hours, God lovingly cares for me for eternity!
As one theologian from yesteryear said,
Men are never duly touched and impressed with a conviction of their insignificance until they have contrasted themselves with the majesty of God.
Having children has helped me to see what a poor father I am. And it has also helped me understand what an awesome and great Father our God is. When I compare my heart to God’s, I cannot help but confess that God is “worthy of worship worthy of praise!”Oh to be parent more like God!
As I gear up for the next round of late night tears, I know there is hope. (Yes, every baby goes through phases, seemingly faster than diapers.) But the hope I’m talking about comes from Christ. Because we have been loved by GOd the father, I know and want to love my son even in the hard moments. We are our father’s children. And there is nothing my son can inflict upon me that I have not already inflicted upon my heavenly father. Yet, God continues to love me. And equipped with a gospel mindset, I can patiently love my little man.
Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another – I John 4:11
As a kid, I always look forward to stuffing the school books away and beginning my wonderful summer vacation dedicated to swimming pools and baseball! As an adult, I still too look forward to relaxing during the summer. Rest is good! But we can’t afford to take a vacation from our spiritual life. If we leave off fellowshipping with our brothers and sisters, praying, and studying the Bible, our souls and are families will be left vulnerable to all kinds of sins. Instead of using summer as a time for self-indulgence which leaves our souls empty, let’s redeem our summers. Let’s take in some sun at the ocean; and, let’s also be active worshipers of Jesus. Let’s commit to maintaining our personal spiritual walks. Let’s volunteer to teach a kids’ Sunday school class, help with VBS, attend the youth Summer Bible study, sing in the choir, and/or serve our neighbors.
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