Father's Love

Father’s Love

One of my main goals in life is to learn how to love like Father. When I stand before Him one day and He asks me, "Cindi, did you learn to love?" I want to say, "Yes Father, I did."  I don't know about you, but this has been no easy goal. 

We will often be challenged in the area of love and at different levels for our entire lives. It is easy for me to love my enemies when I am not challenged there. I was not personally effected when the twin towers came down in New York City. Those that were deeply effected by that tragic day, have a different level of love to maintain when it comes to their enemies, than I do.

Yet I am challenged in area's of keeping my love on as much as anyone else. There are times I want to retreat to fear and throw in the towel with some people.

 If you are not challenged to love people you are probably not much of a threat to the devil. 

The Fathers heart is to always love no matter the situation. I am reminded of the Father's love in a story that Jesus told in the bible. Many of us are familiar with this story. We call it the "Prodigal Son" story.  Over the years I have come to believe it is more about the "Father's Heart" than that of a couple of brothers. 

I think Jesus was trying to show us something about the Father's heart. I believe it is a story revealing His love and true nature. 

Love is better spoken unsaid and done,
 than undone and said. 

I grew up hearing many sermons over the years about the prodigal son. I actually remember as a young teen feeling angry at him.  I judged the one who left as a total jerk. I felt sorry for the one who stayed and worked the fields, unfortunately I related more to him.  I had developed his mindset more as I grew into adulthood.

 The kid who left and spent all of his wealth didn't really deserve a party when He got home. I was somehow offended at the Father unconditional love.  

I don’t know if you can relate to this way of thinking but that was the way I saw it. My law based mindset was apparent even at that age. 

  Later in life I came to realize that this story had more to do with the daddy than with the sons. It is such a beautiful story of Father, His grace and love towards us. 

I think if we are law based thinkers we fall on one side or the other. We are either the guy who left home, because he couldn't see how good he had it, so he squandered all his inheritance. Or we are the guy who stayed home, earning everything, never seeing how good he had it either.  

Both needed to fall on the softness of their Father. They both had a identity crisis. Whether we trust in our own works to earn love, or feel like we are worthless and don't deserve love we are still thinking out of an orphan's heart.

We all need to fall on the soft blanket 
of  God's grace.

  I think Father tells this story through Jesus to show us the ugly in our thinking.  If you have a ugly view of Father, when you finally own it, then you can change. I have had to come to terms with my view of Father towards me. When I realized His love for me was really unconditional no matter if I performed or not. My heart was so amazed and overwhelmed with His love. The more I absorb of Father's love the more I can give away.

I actually wrote this poem a few years before I had a real revelation of Father's heart towards me. When I read it I am amazed at how He let me have a sneak peek into His thinking.

His love remains unchanging, everlasting and steadfast, whether we are at home or have run away. What an amazing daddy we have. 

The Prodigal

The dusty road was empty, as it was the day before.

As the sunset brought a stillness, I stood quietly at the door.

Yesterday I heard you laugh, as it rang throughout the room

Now it echoes in the silence, and the house feels like a tomb.

You said that you were leaving, that the world could offer more

“Give me my inheritance!” and with that you closed the door.

I watched you go in silence, as the tears flowed down My face

My heart was broken into pieces, you threw away My love and grace.

So the morning comes with mercy, and the night is spent in tears

As I’m watching and I’m waiting and the days turn into years.

In the distance there’s a rumble, it’s the coming of a storm

 Often I can’t help but wonder, if you’re sheltered, safe and warm.

Yet I hold onto this promise, someday you’ll return to Me

the dusty road you left upon, will bring you back, I pray, safely.

You’ll be walking down the pathway, where you’ve walked oft’ times before

And I listen for your footsteps once again outside the door.

In My heart I hold this vision, yes, for Me it is the key

Until the day I hear your laughter and I know you’re home with Me.

Copyright 1998 Cindi Diane Markham