The day had finally arrived. A day he thought took forever to come. He knew that he had always wanted to be a father, but now that his son was about to make his entrance into the world, he had a fear come over him that he didn’t anticipate.
Will I be a good father?
How do I prepare a son to be a good dad?
How do I prepare a son for life…for girls…for friends?
Will he love the Lord?
Will he play sports…instruments?
The thoughts continued to swirl as his wife carefully handed him their baby boy.
His body was so small. He wiggled in his hands. He could tell that he was uncomfortable.
And so, he lifted him up to his chest and placed his little head on his shoulder. He put his hand on his son’s tiny back. It almost covered it entirely. He felt his tender skin and his little body.
Tears welled up in his eyes. His heart began to warm. He knew today started a new day in his life.
Responsibility. Provision. Strength. Courage. Love. Example.
He looked at his wife. She was smiling with tender eyes. She knew that their little baby boy would be in good hands. She said, “He looks like you.”
At that moment, his tears fell. He pulled his son out from the warmth of his chest and looked into his face. He did look like him. He could see that he had the same chin. His eyes were set like his. He was proud. He was happy.
He gently put his son back on his chest and sat down in the chair.
As he sat there, his son drifted to sleep. He closed his eyes too and began to dream.
The world he entered was not the same world as his father’s world.
This day was a different day. His friends and his work had shaped him into something other than his father had envisioned.
He looked at his dad, now through mid-life and graying, and said, “I want my inheritance.”
His father, remembering back to the day he was born, dropped his countenance and sighed.
“I want my inheritance, and I’m leaving this forsaken place and going on my own.”
His father–sad, but resolved–handed over his son’s inheritance.
As his son walked down the path to a new life, his father’s heart broke. He didn’t see this coming, and never wanted it for his family. But, it was here, and life’s demands called all the same. And so, he pressed into his daily routines, but always looking toward the horizon for his son’s return. Hoping he would come to his senses and enter back into fellowship with he and his family.
Everyday, he watched for his son’s return. Everyday he waited. Everyday his heart grew more full with love for this wayward son. Everyday he prayed.
And then, his son’s deviancy had taken a turn…he had come to his senses…
“So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet; and bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’ And they began to celebrate.”
Luke 15:20-24
He was awakened from his dream. He opened his eyes, felt the discomfort of the chair, and remembered he was still holding his son on his chest. He was sound asleep. His back raising and lowering with every breath. He turned to his wife and said, “I just had the most incredible dream…”
How Does This Apply To Us Today?
- A father’s love reflects the love of God’s love.
- A father’s children may not always follow God’s ways.
- However, a father’s love, as God’s love, never fails.