That's What a Father Does

God has  a great way of keeping me humble. I’m so thankful He does that in my life, because that’s the kind of person I want to be - humble, compassionate, kind, generous. But it can be painful to get this lesson straight from the heart of God.

Just when I’m in a moment and on the edge of losing empathy… God comes down and speaks straight into my heart, my life, my world. He knows when I tend to lose the very qualities I long so much to hold close. He knows when I’m growing just a little bit harder, colder, critical.

He knows I need reminding of what’s important.

God knows when to have me deal with health issues, so that I regain compassion for those who constantly struggle with health.

God knows when to sting my heart with loneliness, so that I am reminded to love on the one who is all alone.

God knows when to say “no” to  my wishes and dreams, because I have overlooked how blessed I already am.

And God knows when to be gentle with His nudges, and when I need a bold dash of lightning from Him - so that I soften my tongue, gentle my heart, slow my assumptions, and melt my bitterness.

He is so perfect.

I am in need of grace. I have been in need of mercy. I have stuck my foot in my mouth. I have judged. I have had a hardened heart. I have failed to forgive at times. I have been proud. Yes, I have done and been all of these things. Some in moments, some lasting longer.

But I am so thankful that my God doesn’t like to leave me there. Just when I think I know something decisively, He shows me how little I really knew. Just when I stand my ground in firm decision; He shows me how much ground I have yet to walk. 

For He loves me. 

That’s what a Father does. He does what is best for His child when He knows they have so much more potential to give. And He corrects when correcting is needed.

This world can so easily chip away at our character. Without seeing or knowing it, bit by bit, we harden. We turn our back. 

We ignore.

I’m so glad my Lord continues to readily soften me. Remind me. Restore me. Turn me back around and bend me. 

For I can always use MORE. More compassion, more humility, and MORE of Him.

Undeserving, as I am, I am eternally thankful He doesn’t leave me the same.