Lessons on the Love of a Father

I have a teenage daughter. If you are, or have been, in this season of life, you need not read any more. You get it. You and I understand each other. We feel each other’s pain and yet we know the incredible joy as well. But hear this: I LOVE my 14-year-old princess more than I could begin to put into words. Her happiness takes me to the moon and her sadness crushes my soul in a way that causes physical pain. I love her when she thinks I’m being “so annoying!” I love her when my simple “hello” causes unbelievable irritation to her. I love her when she braids her sister’s hair. I love it when she goes on an errand with me just to take a car ride. I love her when she succeeds and when she fails. I love her when she wants to be with me and when she doesn’t. Nothing could make me love her more or less than I already do.

 

This love for my daughter reminds me of God’s love for us. He has used this special relationship to teach me valuable lessons in love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, patience, and joy by blessing me with a girl who has spent just 14 years on this planet. God loves me when I succeed and when I fail. He loves me when I spend time with Him and when I don’t. Nothing could make God love me more or less than He already does. God made us His children and as it says in Romans 8:15b, “the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’” This dad has an even greater Dad!
 
Troy Burns