Tuesday, June 08, 2010

Through a Father's Eyes




1How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!—I John 3:1


On June 2, my wife Jennifer gave birth to our baby girl. Her name is Karis. For most of my adult life, I was not sure I wanted a child. One week later, Baby Karis has captured my heart and defined my new world.

When the baby was born I got to be the first one, after my wife, to hold her. I rocked her, held her in my arms, and quietly began singing to her. As the doctor finished up caring for my wife he came to me and said, “Pastor, I have to tell you, I don’t think your preaching will ever be the same.”


I replied, “Probably not.”


I thought, “I hope not.”


During those late nights when you are snuggling that little child to your chest, you have a lot of time to think. One of the things you do is pray for your family. Another thing you do is meditate on what being a good father is. There is nothing like becoming a father to help you grow in your understanding of who God is as our Heavenly Father.


One of the things I learned very quickly as I gazed into my child’s barely able to focus eyes was that there is nothing that she could ever do that could make me love her any less. Would I want bad things to happen to her? No. Would I want her to rebel and make a lot of bad mistakes? Of course not! But no matter what happens, deep down in my heart, I know my love for her can only grow.


The same is true of our Heavenly Father. There is nothing that we have done, or could do, that would make God love us any less. Does he want us to rebel? No. Does he want us to run away from him? Of course he does not. But if we run away from him or rebel against him, he offers us forgiveness and restoration. He loves us more than we will ever know.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

very beautiful and well put. on my journey of being a Christian, I have often thought of God's love for us in a parallel of my love for my children...it is patient and understanding, even if we do not always agree with their choices. Again, congratulations to Jennifer and you! God has blessed you and your family! =)
-Harmonie

Anonymous said...

I have to wipe away my tears so I can write this. When I think about how Gods love for me is greater than I could EVER be able to love my child, my mind goes blurry. Being a parent is an amazing view into the love of God. Its inspiring to hear about your new journey as a parent. I will read your post several times today, Im sure, and get teary every time. Thanks so much for sharing your heart Clint.

Anonymous said...

Sorry, I pushed the button then realized I forgot to put my name- Annette

Brea said...

Beautiful post. Congrats!!!

larkswing said...

I am so happy for you guys!! Congratulations on this sweet gift and blessings on this journey!

Grandma and Grandpa Benson said...

Congratulations! Deo Gratias!

Jess and James said...

Congratulations!!! She is precious. Your words were very well put. No one understands those feelings until they are a parent.

Anonymous said...

Very well put Clint!!! Love it :)
Lacy

Gossip Cowgirl said...

Wow, Clint. This is amazing!!! So cool to hear about this from your perspective.

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