Dad, Father, Abba
Each one of us has a father. A man who biologically helped form us into a human being. Not all of us are blessed to have a Dad.
When my dad came into my life I asked him what I should call him and he replied, "I don't care as long as you call me for supper." I can't remember what I called him at first, but he eventually earned the name "Dad".
As I researched the term: "Dad", I was a bit surprised at how many different ways other people had also asked for a clear definition. Most of the educational texts claim the definition to be: "Father", I disagree.
My Dad is my dad because of what he has meant to my life. He didn't carry me to bed and read me bedtime stories. I didn't sit on his lap and watch television at night. There weren't happy days that I ran and jumped into his arms when he came home from a long day of work and I never cried on his shoulder over an incident that broke my heart, while he stroked my hair and told me it would all be okay. That wasn't the relationship I had with my dad.
While I was growing up fast, my dad had moments where he warned me; in his own way he tried to let me know I was growing up too quickly. He disciplined me, provided for my needs and more of my wants than I deserved. However, most of the impact he made on my life wasn't realized until I had experienced life on my own.
As I learned to be a parent, I began to realize the things Dad taught me. I didn't understand the patience he actually had! Looking back, I believe he would've been much happier to ride around on his tractor with my youngest brother and the dog, than to work long hours to afford all of our requests. The days of us kids working hard on things we thought were ridiculous taught us that any task is worth doing to the best of our ability. I believe biggest thing my dad taught me was that apologizing is the first step to forgiveness.
Dad was a gruff, hoodlum, kind of guy. Matter-of-fact and no-nonsense. But, he's also honest and real. Johnny Cash always reminded me of him. He's lived a lot of life, and doesn't plan to stop until he's put in the ground. I love him because he loves me. He took me as his own, and still makes time for me. I'm never dismissed, forgotten about or put aside and after all these years, I feel he's more of a dad to me than ever.
My Father teaches me daily, loves me, forgives me and my relationship with Him grows stronger day by day. I can cry out to Him and lay all my sorrows, burdens, cares and worries on Him. He lays me down to sleep every night with a peaceful presence. He carries me every day and guides me along, pushing me when I falter. He forgives me when I wrong Him and is constantly beside me.
As a daughter, I'm thankful for the woman my dad has helped me to be. Thanks to him I'm strong, independent and hard working. And because of him, I know about forgiving.
As a child of God, I'm grateful for the woman my Father has helped me to be. Thanks to Him I'm resilient and capable. And because of Him, I am forgiven.
2 Corinthians 6:18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
Heavenly Father, what comfort to know that you are there for me always. Even when I was small, you were near. Through everything life throws at me, you'll never leave me and although difficulties have and will come to me, with you I will come out stronger on the other side of them. Thank you for the blessings you've put in my life along the way, including a man who did his best to raise me. Life won't break me, nothing in this world will over take me because I have the Armor of God. Praises to you and for you all the glory.
