Growing up, I was more than blessed to have the dad that I have. When I was a little girl, I'd jump in bed with my mom and dad. My dad would take me and wrap his arms and legs around me while I talked with my mom. I remember so clear the warmth and security I felt in that moment. You would find me later on the couch with my dad. He would be watching t.v., and I would lay my head down on his pansa (stomach) and listen to his heart beat. When I got sick in the middle of the night, I'd get out of bed, tip-toe into my parent's room. I'd go to my dad's side of the bed and shake him awake. "Dad, I have a tummy ache. Can you pray for me?" I remember crying as he laid hands on me and prayed. If you ask my siblings and other family members, THEY would say that I could do no wrong in my dad's eyes. He balanced that love with discipline though. I knew not to cross him. He would look at me with disapproving eyes, and I'd be in tears immediately because I hated disappointing him.
As an adult, his role didn't change. He encouraged me in my pursuit to be an educator. There have been many times that financial crisis has struck, and I've had to borrow money from him with full intention of paying it back. My dad almost never let me pay it back. When my marriage fell apart, my dad was the first person to tell me how beautiful, intelligent, how pure my heart was, and how much I had to offer.
Although my dad has not always been perfect in my eyes, he laid a foundation for me that I am so thankful for. You see, parents play such a role in getting their children ready to know the Heavenly Father personally. If you had an abusive dad and God tries to discipline you, you flinch. If you had a dad that did not show love and then you hear that the Heavenly Father loves you, it's hard believe it.
When I decided a couple of years ago to really know God personally, it was relatively easy. My dad did such a great job already to show me what God is truly about. Our Heavenly Father loves us so incredibly much. He desires to wrap His arms around you and let His love penetrate your being. He desires for you to come to Him and confess your sins, and then in His eyes, you did no wrong. He wants to freely give to you so that you may not live in want. When you're in pain, He wants you at any hour to come to Him. He wants to spend time with you so that you may hear His heart beat. Who wouldn't want that? Well maybe someone that doesn't want the other part. He will discipline you to make you better. You will feel convicted when you do something that you know He disapproves of. I'd gladly take that knowing that the creator of the universe thinks I'm His princess.
God's princess. We are his heirs. We get the inheritance He leaves. We are royalty. We are the apple of His eye. It makes me smile to think about it.
If you had a father that was not like mine, and you struggle to see God as I portrayed, I invite you to go to him. Tell Him about how your dad was. Tell Him the stories. Tell Him your hurts and pains. I promise you that He will mend them so that you can have a healthy view of who He is so you can receive all He desires to pour out to you.
If you know our Heavenly Father, have you forgotten that you are His princess? When was the last time you listened to His heart beat and found peace? Are you going to Him with your tears? Are you allowing Him to encourage you and build you up? Do you feel secure in Him? Are you claiming your inheritance and promises that He has given you?
I encourage you, sweet ladies, to look in the mirror and see that you were destined, before you were even born, to be God's princess.
Beautifully written and such a sweet reminder that we are so so important to our Heavenly Father!
ReplyDeleteIt's so awesome that you have that special bond with your Dad.
That's such a huuuge blessing.