It’s a ritual that began when she was a little girl, and it was repeated again as I said goodbye to our daughter after staying with her for a few days over Thanksgiving. We hugged, and I said quietly in her ear, “You’re my girl.” She responded, “You’re my Dad.” Six words exchanged between a 60 year old father and a 31 year old daughter. To some it may seem silly. To us it is simple, yet profound, as those six words are packed full of meaning.
I really have no idea how or when our ritual started. I do know that it began early in her young life, that it happened naturally, and that the ritual - and more importantly - the meaning, was immediately established. And it has gone on ever since.
From the moment that God brought her into the world, I knew that there is something very special about the love of a father for his daughter. Now don’t get me wrong – God has blessed us with a son as well, and I don’t love him any less than I love our daughter. By no means. It’s just different. It’s more tender, more protective…
Now that she lives seven hours away, we don’t get to see her as often as we would like. Now and then I remind her of my love for her. I concluded a recent e mail with these words:
“Always remember Erin, the unlimited love the Father has for you. It is immeasurable, and ‘as high as the heavens are above the earth.’ And remember that your earthly father loves and cherishes you. You have always been so very special to me, and time and distance between us has not, and will not change that one bit.
I love, like, respect, and admire you, Erin. And remember this – You will always be My Girl.”
As I have been thinking about this over the days since our Thanksgiving visit, I am reminded that, as much as I love my wife, my son, and my daughter, that love is puny compared to the love that God has for me. His love is not only greater in quantity than my love, it is greater in quality.
I have a confession to make – sometimes I love myself more than I love others, and this includes my wife, my son, and My Girl. And the rest of you? Well, you fall even further down the list. Sorry, but It’s true. Because of my sinful nature, my “default setting” is selfishness, and I find that unless I am yielding to God’s Spirit, allowing him full control, I am unable to love others as I should, for love comes from God. (1 John 4:7)
Praise God that his love is not like mine. The unfailing love of God is referenced over thirty times in the Psalms and twice in Proverbs, and this love will not be shaken (Isaiah 54:10). His love is not dependent upon mood, circumstance, or the worthiness of those he loves. He loves because it is part of His nature. He IS love. (1 John 4:8; 1 John 4:16)
As God continues the process of transforming my life, He has shown me that my human love is subject to failure. I’m talking “crash and burn” failure. At the same time, He has, through His word, taught me that love – real love – is one of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and that as a believer, the Spirit is always with me and in me (John 14:17). When I give up the stubborn desire to be in control and yield to the Holy Spirit, then and only then am I capable of loving my wife, my son, my daughter – and yes, the rest of you – as I should.
May it be so…
In Christ –
John
Soli Deo Gloria
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