Apple of His Eye

Recently, I found myself thinking about my daddy and how much he means to me and how much I mean to him. It’s not hard to see why as Father’s Day is approaching and will be upon us shortly. I thought about how much I love him and how much of an influence he is in my life. My parents split when I was very young but fortunately, I have always maintained a close relationship with him. 

I recall the many times in my life when I would need to talk and he was available to give me sound advice and wisdom. If I couldn’t reach him in the moment, he would return my call as soon as he could. I have pleasant memories of our visits and him cooking what he called his “special spaghetti” for my siblings and me. If dad said it was special- it was! I really grew up believing that his spaghetti was special. Today when we speak I remind him of those days and I still rave over his “special spaghetti.” 

There were also times when he would take my siblings and me to get a soft serve ice cream from the golden arches. Most children today would not be satisfied with just an ice cream. It wasn’t the treat-although I enjoyed it-it was the fact that I got to spend a few minutes with dad. At such an early aged I realize how important it was to spend time with daddy. As loving as my dad is and as much as he loves me and as much as he tried to be there for me there were times when he just could not. 

“He is Almighty God and is not to be compared to earthly vessels.”

In my contemplation, I began to thank God for the blessing of still having a dad. Suddenly, my thoughts shifted to some of you who did not have such an experience. Whether your dad was in the home with you or you were like me and he lived elsewhere due to life’s circumstances; you still had a dad. I dare say that even some of you had a dad in the home yet he was absent. 

As I was thinking on this I heard the Holy Spirit say, “I am not like your daddy.” What did He mean? I listened further as He explained to me what was on Father’s heart. He shared with me that many of you view your relationship with your Heavenly Father through your relationship with your dad. You tend to compare Father to daddy. If your daddy was not there for you in times of great distress, you may have a hard time believing that Father God will show up and meet your needs. If you were never affirmed by your daddy, then you might believe that Father isn’t happy with you or how you’ve turned out. If you feel your dad withheld his love and affection, then you will often feel that Father is also withholding the same. 

“I am not like your daddy,” is what Father wants you to know. Father is a Good Father. You are His child and He will never leave you and will always meet your needs, but you must first trust Him. To begin trusting Him is to realize that He is Almighty God and is not to be compared to earthly vessels. I know you have done this out of ignorance, but to know better is to do better. He is your Creator and it is He that has formed you from your daddy’s seed and fashioned you in the womb of your mother. He looks at each of you and calls you good and as David declares you are the apple of his eye (Psalm 17:8). You are his most cherished creation.

Compare Him to Your earthy daddy’s you should not for there is no comparison. He created the one to whom you would compare Him. You must realize that His love far exceeds any love that can be humanly expressed. The depth of His mercy and grace is beyond mere comprehension. He adores you all separately and uniquely created you to bring Him glory. 

So as you are thinking about your daddies on this Father’s Day, I encourage you to extend to him love and most of all forgiveness. Forgive him for not being the daddy you imagined or the one you needed. Realize that he is but flesh and wholly imperfect and he loved and provided for you as best as he could. Freely give the love that your Heavenly Father has given you and extend your dad the same mercy and grace that Father has given you. As you continue to deepen your relationship with Father know that He is not your daddy, He loves you immensely, and to Him you are the “apple of His eye.’