Father's Day was a few weeks ago. Leading up to this day for dad's, I was brainstorming gift ideas for my own dad. My sisters and I repeatedly asked him what gifts he wanted and how he wanted to spend his weekend. He kept telling us all he wanted was to watch movies and hang out with us. OK then, Dad.
This was not atypical because he never asks us for much. He is very family oriented and prefers to spend his free time with his daughters, but a lot of the time I find myself too busy for my dad. I have seen him sacrifice more often than not to provide our needs, or sometimes just the things we want. However, until it comes to a weekend dedicated to him, I do not think about showing my appreciation for all he does for me.
I think my dad is awesome. We were not very close growing up, I gravitated more towards my mom. But upon entering college, I found myself calling my dad more and more — asking for advice and telling him about my day. I do not take notice of his ever-present support majority of the time. It's hard to take notice of something that is always there and never leaves you, right?
Right. It was this thought of the selfless support given by my dad that I began to try to measure the love that my heavenly father must have for me then. When I look at all the things my earthly father has sacrificed for me, I wish I could repay him. I wish I could show him my gratitude, but he asks for so little in return.
This is a direct reflection of the sacrifice of our God and his grace, and how little he asks of his children in return. Yet, just like with my dad, I find myself forgetting to show my appreciation and return his favor until the times that are specifically dedicated to him.
Why do I wait until Sunday morning to sing his praises?
Why do we wait until Easter to pronounce to the world that Jesus is the risen king?
Why is it that I wait until November to express my thanks for the wonderful life he has given me?
Why do I keep myself so busy that I procrastinate my role as a daughter of Christ?
I do not know why a lot of Christians, and I particularly, have these habits. I do know, though, that you can not earn the love of a father. The love of a father, much like grace, is freely given. We can never repay our heavenly father for sacrificing His son for us, but at no point should this stop us from trying. His sacrifices, precious and unfathomable, should only further encourage us to be disciples of the world and exemplify the grace we learned from Him, the father of the nations.
