A Father’s Life Lesson

Funny how a memory from my kidhood will literally wash over me when the location (or taste, or smell) is just right.  Recently it was a happy memory of our family at the beach.  The beach trips were my favorite.  And the memory that overtook me on this day was that of my Daddy taking my sister and me out to ride the waves.  When it was my turn I would be held in his strong arms for the adventure.  The waves seemed massive to this eight year old, as they rose and fell and sometimes crashed on us.  Daddy would hold me and help me float over the gentle swells.  That was the best.  But sometimes a wave would get to its breaking point just as it reached us. The churning water would cause me to cling even tighter to Daddy.  Often he would lift me up over the surf at his own expense. I would see him take the brunt of the wave full in the face while he lifted me up over it all.  But once in a while, whether by his plan to test me or by circumstance, he would let the wave churn over both of us. We might both feel the full force of the wave, but Daddy never ever let go of me.  It never occurred to me that he would.  When the rowdy wave passed we would laugh and celebrate and be grateful for the smooth waves when we could just relax and ride. 

 And as my remembering takes me to this long ago place I see a picture of my Heavenly Father Who never lets go either.  Whether the life waves I am riding at any point are smooth and easy, or they are crashing over me with an intimidation factor with which to be reckoned, I am grateful that He will not leave me alone, but will ride it out holding me firmly.   I will be ok on the other side of it.  I know this because my Daddy showed me my Heavenly Father will never let go.  See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. 1 John 3:1 . Enjoy being held by arms that will never let you go!