Recently, my dad started working from home. I thought it was the best thing in the world. He got to stay home and watch TV on his breaks. But then I spent a week resting at home with my parents. And I came to realize how hard my dad works. He was sitting in front of his computer right at 8am. And he was pretty much stuck in front of the computer until the end of the work day. Even then, there were many times when he would get a call after supper and be on the computer again until well past midnight. Ultimately, I think he is working more hours now that he is working from home!
I’m glad that I saw this side of my dad. I always knew he was a hard worker. But I came to realize how I took my dad for granted while I was growing up. I didn’t understand that this is the life he had to live in order to provide for our family. For my needs. For my selfish desires.
It makes me think of Matthew 7:11. “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” How good, indeed, is our Perfect Heavenly Father, if our earthly fathers, even in their brokeness can be so good to us?
Now, I realize of course that not everyone has the same kind of dad that I did. Some may have come from broken families where their father was not present. Some might have even come from a background of abuse. Whatever the situation might be, I hope that at some point in time those who suffered through such brokenness may come to know the blessing and love of our Father in Heaven.
Thank You Lord for our earthly fathers and what they teach us about you! We pray that you bless them always, and help them all the more to reflect your kindness and goodness to us.