A longtime friend and I were catching up recently. He shared with me that his father had recently passed away, a man I knew only briefly but definitely someone I would characterize as “one of the good guys.” Having lost my own father, I can empathize with his deep sadness and sense of loss as well as his need to connect with those who knew his dad. As we reminisced a bit, he made the following statement:
What a great experience my dad made available to me.
I knew what he meant. On the surface, at least. But as I pondered his words I realized there was a deeper meaning. Maybe I was suffering from road-trip brain, the result of too many hours trapped inside the car with my children and only the underwhelming west Texas landscape visible outside the car. Maybe I was sleep-deprived from sleeping on so-called “luxurious” feather pillows that are really not all that luxurious in my book. Maybe I had fallen victim to an excess of overly oxidized fountain Diet Cokes, that sweet nectar that proves God loves me and wants me to be happy. Or maybe, just maybe, it was God, once again whispering His truth in my ear, helping me to rediscover His blessing and revel in His goodness.
You see, my friend came from a family of limited means. His dad was not some well-to-do CEO of a major corporation. He didn’t drive fancy cars or take lavish vacations several times a year. He was a humble man, a hard worker, someone who labored faithfully for years behind the scenes, doing a job that many of us would – and did – take for granted. Though I didn’t know him well, I know he must have been a kind and loving man, because he opened his heart and his home to other people’s children as well as his own, fostering several and adopting my friend. Despite his lack of wealth, my friend was able to attend a high-quality, upscale private Christian school and eventually a private Christian college. He spent his summers sailing and hiking and waterskiing and learning archery and backpacking all over northern New England (and even a little bit of Canada). He enjoyed the opportunity to study in Puerto Rico for a couple of months in high school. Certainly not what one would consider a “deprived” childhood.
Dig a little deeper into that phrase, though, and there’s a treasure to be uncovered. A treasure that reveals the heart of our heavenly Father, our Abba.
What a great experience my dad made available to me.
My friend’s dad chose to father my friend. He certainly wasn’t obligated or under compulsion to. But, through the beauty of adoption he did. And because of his sacrificial, unselfish love, my friend had opportunities beyond anything he could have imagined.
My Abba chose me to be His child. He certainly wasn’t obligated or compelled to. As the ultimately perfect, infinite God over all creation, He was complete in Himself. But, through the beauty of adoption – the price being His own son – He did. And because of His sacrificial, unselfish love, I have opportunities beyond anything I could have imagined.
What a great experience my dad made available to me.
As my friend reflected on his life, on his father’s legacy in his life, he recognized the blessings he enjoyed because he was part of this family.
As I reflect on my life, on my Abba’s faithfulness in my life, I can recognize the blessings I enjoy because I am part of His family.
What a great experience my dad made available to me.
Opportunities to minister to the homeless in New Orleans, deaf children in Tennessee, and orphans in Uganda. Opportunities to share the gospel to hundreds of children each week as the “music fairy.” Opportunities to lead volunteers – youth and adults – to discover their God-given talents and use them for His glory. Opportunities to befriend other calloused-kneed moms from around the state through the mission and ministry of Moms in Prayer. Opportunities to share God’s truth through writing and speaking, being a part of building up the body of Christ.
What a great experience my dad made available to me.
Opportunities to learn about God’s world and His creation. Opportunities to study and practice my calling in the safety of a supportive, caring Christian community. Opportunities to use my skills in the “real world”, touching real lives, forging “real” professional relationships, honing my craft and furthering my understanding. Opportunities to do what I love and love what I do.
What a great experience my dad made available to me.
The opportunity to be a wife, to experience firsthand the blessing and beauty of marriage. The opportunity to be the recipient of true love – though not in the Princess Bride sense: a love that is faithful, unconditional, and sincere. The opportunity to become a mother, a realization of a lifelong dream. The opportunity to nurture that life within me and then, at the appointed time, bring it into the world. The opportunity to be the guiding force in these two precious lives, teaching, directing, and preparing them to use their own God-given gifts for His glory.
What a great experience my dad made available to me.
Opportunities to be a part of something bigger than myself: a thriving church, a loving family, a broad circle of friends, a diverse global community. Opportunities to discover my place in this big world and be reminded of the small but important role I play. Opportunities to travel and experience the uniqueness of each geographical locale, its people and its culture. Opportunities to be awestruck by shooting stars in Africa, overwhelmed by snow in summertime in Utah, delighted by pristine Hawaiian beaches, mystified by mossy and humid South Carolina swamps, humbled by majestic Canadian mountains, dazzled by crystal-clear New England lakes, and energized by London’s urban perpetual motion.
What a great experience my dad made available to me.
Yes, my friend was correct. This life – no, this abundant life – is a great experience, all made available to me because of my Abba, my father, my Daddy.
And all I can say in response is simply, Thank You, Dad.