A Loving Father
 

A Loving Father

Read Psalm 91

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
-Ephesians 6:4 (NRSV)

ABOUT a year ago I had a problem with anyone who had authority over me. I refused to listen to my parents, schoolteachers, or principals. I would do and say things just because I knew it offended them. One day my father sat me down and talked to me. He asked me if something had happened to upset me. Then he quoted scriptures to show me the problems with my behavior.

Despite this, I told him that I didn't care and that I wanted him to leave me alone to figure things out for myself. Yet my dad took his job as a parent very seriously. He told me that he loved me and that as my parent he had a responsibility to correct me and show me the right way.

What my dad said to me made me stop and think about what I was doing. I had no reason to be angry; I wasn't accomplishing anything by offending others; and I was only hurting myself. I was destroying my relationships, and I was making myself miserable for no real reason.

Soon I realized that those who correct me actually care for me and want what is best for me. I realized too that God is the same way. God places people like my dad in our lives to help show us the way.

Bradley Gerberich (Pennsylvania, USA)
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for those who offer us guidance and protection. Thank you for loving us and wanting what is best for us. Amen.

Thought for the Day
God loves us through those who nurture us.

Had a family that didn't know how to nurture and show their love. I didn't know that I had to find it within myself, through connecting with my God. I didn't know I was loved, I sure didn't feel it for myself. The first hint I got was at one of my first meetings and a woman said, "God doesn't make no junk."