Look to Your Father

   My wife's grandfather just tuned the wonderful age of 80.  He is a great man of God and is a papa to not just our family, but to so many people who are without, or have needed love.  He has been a great example of what a man/father/grandfather should and can be in our world.  Yesterday, our family threw him a big party to celebrate his birthday, and it was a great success.  Stories, memories, laughs, hugs, tears, were all present at this party.  Yet, it was to celebrate what has been a great life of a man of God.  My wife and I were the first to provide Nana and Papa a great grandchild on that side of our family.  She was the delight of the party, smiling, opening her beautiful eyes, and even starred in some photos with Papa.  She is now a 3rd generation descendant of papa, and it's amazing that she absolutely adores him.  She knows the elders of the family and always puts on her best for them (unless she's hungry or tired ;) ). 

    Later during the party I saw Ava multiple tables away on somebody's shoulder just staring at me smiling.  This happened on multiple occasions, as if she was saying "Hi dad, I see all these people but I know I'm safe with you".  You see it wasn't just the fact that she was starring at me (which was awesome in itself), it was the revelation the Lord gave me about how she is representing how we should look at our Father in heaven. 

   Ava could be held by someone who she may not know and begin to cry, but when she goes to her dad or mom she feels safe and knows we will protect and provide her what she needs.  Our Father in heaven is the same way.  When life or circumstances bog you down, and you feel the craziness throwing you back and forth; you can always look to God and he will give you peace. God is not one to neglect or push you aside, on the contrary, if you call on the Lord he will give you peace.  Philippians 4:6-7 says, "⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." 

   It's important to point out that not everyone grew up with the best fathers in their lives.  Many were abused or had fathers who neglected them, etc...but there is one who will never fail you regardless of the circumstances.  Your father in heaven is there for you, just call on Him.  Just like Papa has been a father to many and has been a great example of how a father should be, God is a papa to you in an even deeper way.  God is desiring that in the midst of the chaos, you look for Him across the room.  Sometimes we forget the simplest things about being a Christian.  We get so caught up in "religiosity" or in trying to fix things ourselves, that we neglect to go to God and just call on him. I know if I hold Ava, protect her, pray for her, and always encourage her... then maybe I can be an example of Christ's love for her; maybe I can be an example of Christ's love for others.