For thirteen years, we didn’t speak. The wounds were so deep, so raw. All through my childhood and teen years, I tried to get my dad to be who I needed him to be. There’s nothing that can replace the relationship with one’s father. I needed a miracle.
Fast forward to the present. Half-awake, my nine year-old-son started to cry as he stumbled into the living room.. “Where’s Dad? You said he’d be here.” (My baby’s daddy was already at work for the day.) He longs for his daddy as I longed for mine. We’ll see him tonight.
As I approach a day full of "miracles needed", I reached for the Book of Promises, the Bible, and opened to John 1.
…To all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, he gave the right to be called the sons of God. John 1:12
For thirteen years, I journeyed through grief and hope, seeking reconciliation with my father. All along the way, the one perfect Father, was with me, calling me his own, providing my every need with graciousness and kindness.
So when I saw my father after thirteen years, I was compelled to do what God-the-father does for me. I ran toward him. “DAD!” I called his name. In front of a plaza full of hot-dog diners, we sobbed and hugged. He met my husband and our children, his grandchildren. My husband later confessed that he didn’t know what to do, whether he should punch him or hug him! I’m glad there were no punches.
My father apologized, naming offenses right then and there. I did the same, apologizing for demanding what he couldn’t give.
It’s been two years since dad and I reconnected. He emails me almost every day. Even though I didn’t grow up with him, we have the same sense of humor. It’s amazing to resemble someone I don’t know very well…
It’s a miracle to be reconciled with my dad. It brings me great joy.
There are other miracles that, like anyone, I’m waiting to see realized. When God sent his Son, Christ, into the world, the most awesome miracle of all occurred. To all who did receive Him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to be called the sons of God. John 1:12
May we receive the gift of God’s love and share it with others, moment by moment. He is a good father. He knows what’s best.
Hoping for a miraculous Christmas…xoxo
~Katie
