I Miss My Dad

It’s now been three weeks since my last post.  I can’t recall what happened two Sundays ago that led me to my decision that it would be okay to skip a week of posting.  But, as so often happens, once I missed one week, it became easier for me to miss another.  And then comes the downward spiral.  All of a sudden, I’m at my third week since my last post.  And, to be honest, it would have been very easy for me to miss again this week, except for the fact that I really miss my Dad. 

Romans 8:14- 17 says, “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.  For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry “Abba!  Father!”  The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs – heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him.”

God is my Abba Father!  He is my Dad.  To His lap I can run.  Life, though, has a way of becoming very busy.  One day becomes another and then another and then another.  Then, without any warning, it’s been days, weeks, and perhaps even months since we’ve spent quality time with our Dad.  I’m not talking about the cursory “blessing” that may (or may not) come prior to each meal of the day.  I’m also not talking about the “to-do list check-off” where I quickly read through the Scripture and devotional for “Our Daily Bread.”  I’m not even talking about attendance at a church service.  All these things can be really good and helpful, but insufficient all by themselves.  I’m talking about real quality one-on-one intimacy with Dad.  The kind of time where I not only talk, but also listen.  The kind of time when I let His Spirit lead me into the insights that He has for me.  The kind of time when I feel encouraged and refreshed, regenerated and renewed.  The kind of time that helps me to be the husband that I’m called to, committed to (before God and man), and privileged to be.  The kind of time that helps me to be the daddy that my little girl needs and wants me to be.  The kind of time that helps me to love the Lord my God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength.  The kind of time that enables me to walk in the joy, hope, and peace of the Lord – joy, hope and peace that permeates my being such that I am the family member, employee, co-worker, leader, neighbor, and servant that God has designed for me to be.    

From the outset, it’s been my hope that “Steadfast God” would be a source of encouragement for others.  I think it has for at least a small few.  But, more importantly, I’ve learned that this blog is one of the ways in which I commune with my Dad.  It’s one of the ways in which He brings Scripture to my mind and focus.  It’s one of the ways in which I feel near to Him and connected.  This blog has become more about my time with my Dad than anything else.  The encouragement that others receive is really delicious frosting on an already delectable cake.  Thank You, Dad, for this vehicle that You’ve provided for me.

I’m sad (and embarrassed) to have to admit that I was on vacation this past week and actually spent less time with my Dad than I would typically spend when I’m full-force at work.  This led to a vacation that would be considered by many to be very productive.  But, I know the time away from my Dad took its toll on me.  And, as the spiritual head of our home, it took its toll on my wife and daughter.  I’m sorry to my Dad and to each of them for not being more available during the very days that I should have been most available.  My walk with my Dad affects not only me, but my family, my friends, and all others who come into contact with me. 

At church this morning, we had the opportunity to sing John Waller’s “Your Word, My Life”.  The words are as follows:

Verse 1:

Wash me in the water of Your Word again,

Wash me in the water of Your Word.

Let all my shame be swept away,

Wash me in the water of Your Word -

It’s my life.

Chorus:

Oh – where else would I go

If You and You alone

Hold the words to life?

And Lord, where else would I run,

I’m alive because

Jesus Christ, Your Word is my life - my life.

Verse 2:

Bring me revelation from Your Word again.

Bring me revelation from Your Word.

So I know You for Who You really are.

Bring me revelation from Your Word -

It’s my life.

Bridge:

Jesus, You’re the Word, and the Word is living.

Jesus You’re the Word, and the Word is life.

This song speaks to where I’m at today.  I’ve been away from You and Your Word for too long.  I can’t be the man that I’m called to be apart from You, Lord.  And, I don’t want to be any other man that the one You’ve called me to be.  You and You alone hold the words to life!  And not just any life, but abundant life!  I’ve let the enemy distract me from the abundant life that my Dad has for me and has for my family.  I’m not going to allow it anymore.  I’m returning to spend real, quality time with my Dad.  Having tasted abundant life, where else would I run but to our Steadfast God?