Regarding my dad, I like what David wrote:13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, 16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. (Psalm 139:13-16, italics mine.)
Over the years of my life in Christ, there have been several times when my awareness of God’s intimate knowledge of my life brought me to tears. He didn’t simply cross His fingers and hope I would do well with what I’ve got, He looked out over my life to come and knit into me all He purposed for all His glory—nothing less.
And would I have too much time or not enough? Too many days or too few? Neither. I would live and breathe the exact number necessary for God to say, “Yes, I got it right. . .naturally. I am satisfied.”
And so it is with my dad. It was all in the book before.
On this day when my father’s body is doing poorly and is leaning in the opposite direction of his spirit, I’m comforted knowing that God is fully aware of the days—my dad’s days. I imagine a heavenly crowd gathering together in anticipation of his arrival, with balloons and signs drawn up—“We’ve been expecting you!” and “Welcome home, John!” And maybe one of the more witty angels will hold up a sign that reads, “Surprise!”
I think my dad would love that.
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"My Dream of Heaven" by Rebecca Reuter Springer. I still see my mom, my dad, rising up out of the crystal sea after being washed of all earthly stains, meeting those who have been waiting in jump-up-and-down anticipation . . .
ReplyDeletewow. . .I like that too, Sue!
ReplyDeleteTouching. How comforting to know where he is. My dad passed in 1995 and he didn't know the Lord. Maybe he did...but he seemed bitter towards Him as noted in one of his last conversations with a priest who asked him if he needed to "make peace with God". His response " I've said all I have to say to him !" I sure miss dad. He was a good guy. Hope I'll see him in heaven under the "surprise" sign when I arrive:)
ReplyDeleteI hope so too, Sheila. While our attitude toward God determines so much of our experience in this life, His attitude toward us counts the most. God did not fail concerning your dad, but did all for which He planned concerning him. Our security is in Him--and that's a good thing.
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