WHOSE YOUR DADDY

Day 168: Thoughts on Father's Day ~ Over the past year, as my dad has walked through the Valley of the Shadow of Cancer, he has often quoted a familiar phrase: “At some point, the parent becomes the child and the child becomes the parent.”

He may tell this to a nurse as we are describing complications to a medication, or to a doctor that I am asking to be more specific about a diagnosis.  As his constant advocate and medical champion I’m sure there are days when it feels like we have reversed roles. 

“How are you feeling dad? Did you take your medications? Are you eating vegetables?”

In reality, nothing could be further from the truth. Even though I am a parent to four grown children, I have not outgrown my need for parents.  I may be hovering like a mamma hen at times, but I draw my own comfort knowing I’m still the child in our relationship. Nothing I can do now to encourage and support my dad can alter the balance of a lifetime of me going to him for help. If the day comes that he needs me to walk a little slower to keep pace, he’s already done that for me when my legs were to short to match his long confident stride.  If ever I need to repeat myself, I just have to be as patient as he must have been answering my thousands of “why daddy” questions.  Keeping vigil when he doesn’t feel well won’t ever match the number of hours he has invested worry over me.

There is no chance that the parent will become the child or that the child will become the parent in our relationship.  It would take two lifetimes to catch up and qualify for that honor. I’m not the least bit interested in relinquishing my role as daughter – and thankfully I don’t have to. Dad has secured his position over decades of looking out for my best interests.  A few reciprocatory years on my part can’t reverse the roles; it can only reveal a heart grateful for a lifetime of knowing a daddy’s love.  

That desire to know and be known by a Father is deeper than genetics. It is the very fabric of all creation. Born from the heart of God before we were born into this world, He has placed in our hearts the knowledge that we are His children and He is our Father. No mere earthly parentage can compare to the anchoring security of knowing your real Daddy. He already knows everything about you ~ He has told us so in His own words....

 

From your Father,

You may not know me, but I know everything about you. Psalm 139:1 I know when you sit down and when you rise up. Psalm 139:2 I am familiar with all your ways. Psalm 139:3 Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. Matthew 10:29-31 For you were made in my image. Genesis 1:27 In me you live and move and have your being. Acts 17:28  For you are my offspring. Acts 17:28  I knew you even before you were conceived. Jeremiah 1:4-5  I chose you when I planned creation. Ephesians 1:11-12  You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. Psalm 139:15-16 I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. Acts 17:26  You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14  I knit you together in your mother's womb. Psalm 139:13  And brought you forth on the day you were born. Psalm 71:6 And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. 1 John 3:1  Simply because you are my child and I am your Father. 1 John 3:1 I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. Matthew 7:11 For I am the perfect father. Matthew 5:48  Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand. James 1:17 For I am your provider and I meet all your needs. Matthew 6:31-33 My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. Jeremiah 29:11  Because I love you with an everlasting love. Jeremiah 31:3  My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore. Psalms 139:17-18 And I rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17  I will never stop doing good to you. Jeremiah 32:40  For you are my treasured possession. Exodus 19:5  And I want to show you great and marvelous things. Jeremiah 33:3  If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me. Deuteronomy 4:29  Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4  For it is I who gave you those desires. Philippians 2:13  I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine. Ephesians 3:20  For I am your greatest encourager. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you. Psalm 34:18 As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart. Isaiah 40:11 One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. Revelation 21:3-4 And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth. Revelation 21:3-4  I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus. John 17:23 For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed. John 17:26 He is the exact representation of my being. Hebrews 1:3 He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you. Romans 8:31 And to tell you that I am not counting your sins. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you. 1 John 4:10 I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love. Romans 8:31-32 If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me. 1 John 2:23 And nothing will ever separate you from my love again. Romans 8:38-39 Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen. Luke 15:7 I have always been Father, and will always be Father. Ephesians 3:14-15 My question is…Will you be my child? John 1:12-13 I am waiting for you. Luke 15:11-32
Love, Your Abba, Daddy

(Used by permission Father Heart Communications Copyright 1999-2008) 

 

In this relationship, there is no doubt who takes care of whom; there is only One Father who only desires one thing from us- a willingness to be His child.