Safe. Loved. Secure....The Father Heart of God

....These three words jumped out on the front of a beautiful red and gold card as I skimmed the Father's Day cards at Hallmark.

Every Father's Day, it is somewhat of a struggle to find a card to send to my father, who has been both physically and emotionally distant for the last 13 years of my life. While I know that my dad loves me and thank God for the reconciliation and forgiveness He has given me, it is still hard finding a card that shows appreciation for the role my dad has and is playing in my life. The sentimental cards that talk about fathers shaping my character, dads ALWAYS being there, dads blending discipline and loving support, etc etc etc....just don't seem to honestly cut it when my dad hasn't always been there. Most years, I either go with a humorous card or a simple card that gets to the point, but emphasizing my love and gratitude.

Anyway, I found a Peanuts card for Dad, that affirmed that he is a kind, fun, loving person to be with, and wishing him a great day....but this bright red "Safe. Loved. Secure" card really spoke to me. It's as if God were saying, "Buy this card- This Father's Day, I'm buying YOU a card- to remind you that you are safe, loved and secure in my love, and that I will never leave or abandon you." So, I bought the $4 card, along with the others, and trusted the Holy Spirit that on Father's Day he would give me at least a few words to remind me of his love and promises.

I was fortunate enough to spend Father's Day at Rejoice! and with the Shelby guys (the family I'm staying with this summer: Pat and the boys). The Father heart of God was already touching my heart me during worship; I was noticing how the songs were thoughtfully drawing me closer to my Father God and how I need to trust him.... how easy it is for me to look to other things for that love!

But it was the beginning of Pastor Dan's message that reminded me of how intimately and awesomely God loves us like a Father: the message was about being "Wild at Heart," relating to men and Father's Day, and would allow for a brief time of personal testimony at the end. However, Pastor Dan said something to this extent, in regards to marriage, fathering, etc, that I knew was from the Holy Spirit, and it brought tears to my eyes:

"Many of you are struggling with your marrige or finances, or didn't have a dad that wasn't close or there for you: So on this Father's Day, GOD WANTS TO GIVE YOU A FATHER'S DAY CARD."

How cool is that? :-)
Our Father God is living, active, and wants to pour out his love on us.