The tie that binds, celebrating Father's Day

     

     Father’s Day — a day to honour the special person who has had a major role in the event of us being here on planet earth. 

     Unfortunately, there are some folk who have never known their birth father for various reasons. Others, may be carrying unpleasant memories about a dad they would sooner forget. At times, fathers do disappoint or hurt their children. Others have been blessed with a dad who gave them a good glimpse of what our heavenly Father is like. 

     

      As I go back in memory to my Dad, I believe he did just that.

     Trying to envision some of my early childhood days relating to my dad, I’m convinced that much of who I am today, is because of his fatherly influence. 

     My dad’s employment made it necessary for him to be away from home at different times and seasons. 

     Yet I recall precious moments I loved as a child. 

     

     Often, when he was at home, he would tuck me in bed at night, lying beside me, he would just talk or tell me stories. 

     He taught me life lessons as well. On one occasion, my brother and I were driving with Dad along a country road when we passed an overly obese lady. Child-like, we began to laugh, making unkind remarks. 

     Dad scolded us saying, “Those comments are cruel. You might be like that yourself some day. "You should be respectful of others different than yourselves. "I never want to hear you laughing at someone like that again!” 

     
     The scolding, I’m sure, affected my thinking, helping me to be accepting of others as I increasingly realized everyone is of value to God. My dad often read the Bible to us kids, reminding us why Jesus came and urged us to open our hearts to Him. 

     

     Later, after becoming a christian, I was encouraged and inspired when I saw him read the Bible regularly. 

     He had a deep concern for others and their relationship to God. 

     Returning home on weekends, after my week of teaching in the city, he was always eager to discuss a christian book I was reading, or to hear of a christian meeting I had attended. 

     

     Another precious moment with my Dad will forever be etched in my memory. It was the summer of my engagement to Nels. My parents had suspected we would be married and so did not seem surprised by our announcement. 

     Nels, wanting to do things the proper way, approached my dad, formally asking for my hand in marriage. Giving Nels his blessing, I can still see the tears streaming down my dear Dad’s face. Though happy for me, and with warm feelings toward Nels, yet he had mixed emotions. He was well aware it meant his youngest child would be leaving the family nest and living too far away. 

     

     

     These and similar stories of my early life can be found in my biography, Seeds of Love...  

     When we pause to recall the loving family relationships some of us have been blessed with, it is only a small picture of our relationship with our Heavenly Father. 

     


     We’re told, “The Lord delights in those who fear (honour, reverence) him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.” 

Psalm 147:11 

     I believe God is delighted when He hears from us. Just as I am thrilled when one of my children gives of their time with a phone call, a visit over coffee, or even a Scrabble game, so must my Heavenly Father be pleased when I find time to spend with Him.     

     We have just completed National Blood Donor week. It was a week intended to celebrate blood donor volunteers and the people who do such great work on our behalf. However, it became a serious cry to the public, asking for more donors due to a critical shortage in the blood bank at this time. 

     The need was to collect 50,000 units of blood across Canada by end of June. Many of us have had blood transfusions during or after a surgery. The possibility of all of us needing such help is always there. 

     I recently signed up and received training to assist at our local clinic. I also forwarded information regarding the urgency for donors to many on my email list.     

     How can you help?  Visit blood.ca  Get the GiveBlood app.     

     Blood is life, and necessary for our survival. It is to be treated with respect.   

     “For the life of a creature is in the blood…it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life. The blood of the Old Testament sacrifices pointed forward to the blood of the Lamb who obtained for his people eternal redemption.”   

Hebrews 9:12     

     

        As a side note, I was pleased to hear today of Gord Downey of the Tragically Hip Canadian music group, receiving the Order of Canada award, because of his devotion to the cause of bringing more awareness of indigenous people. 

     

It was long overdue, I would add.


— beulah