People
In My Father’s House
I come from a large family, and I love it. My Father always wanted lots of children, and He loves us like crazy. Believe me, we’ve cost Him plenty! But He thinks we’re worth it. Dad is very wealthy, with the world at his disposal, so he can afford to take care of all of us. He does an amazing job of it.
I know a lot of fathers are clueless as to what goes on in their children’s lives--even with as few as two or three of them. But not my Father. Uh-uh! He keeps such close track of us and knows us so well He could tell you what we’re thinking and what we’re going to do next.
Good thing He’s patient. With so many of us, there’s always someone messing up, sometimes intentionally, sometimes out of sheer childish ignorance. Our growing up is hard on us kids, and hard on Him, too, I’d venture to say. Because He loves us, He’s always trying to teach us how to live upright, like Him. You know, “Make your Daddy proud. Bring honor to the family name.” He knows what He’s talking about, too. There’s not a Father in the world nearly as good as He.
We aren’t always so good at listening as we ought to be. That’s where discipline comes in. That’s the other side of love we don’t always appreciate, at least not at first. Ever heard the saying, “I do this because I love you?” I hear that a lot.
Coming from a big family has its perks. For one, I have lots of older siblings who dote on me, and help me with whatever it is needs helping at the moment. They often talk with Dad on my behalf. As strict as He is, He’s got a soft spot for His kids, and really does like giving in where it won’t do us harm. Like I said, He loves us. I also have lots of younger siblings, and my Father expects that I love and help care for them. He says we shouldn’t expect Him to do all the work, that’s why He had lots of us--so we could all help each other. That’s what family’s for.
My Father has houses all over the world. It’s part of the business he’s into. With so many children, he has some of us living in each of His houses. Because of that, we’re not always as close to each other, as connected as we should be. It’s amazing that with as many as we are, we are each as individual as snowflakes. Ha! Sometimes we seem as different as lemons and pumpkin pie.
Sad to say, we don’t always get along. Sometimes there’s a really bad squabble in one of the houses, and one of my brothers, or sisters, will stomp out and just move into another house. At times, we’ve had brothers and sisters holding such grudges they won’t even talk with each other. Dad doesn’t tolerate that very well. I told you how He knows us so well He can tell what we’re thinking. He also has this way of looking right through you, like straight into your soul. If you’ve ever had Him look at you that way, you’ll understand the squeamish, uncomfortable feeling we get, kind of like when sand dries in your swimsuit. You just can’t get comfortable till you come clean. There have been some who were so hurt or proud they leave Father’s homes altogether. Sometimes He goes after them, sometimes He doesn‘t. They may not know it, but He still keeps track of each of them, and mourns their loss. At times, His grief is palpable.
Those of us who stay faithful to Father, and because we love him so much we try to please Him, also bring Him grief at times. Dad recently moved me into one of his other houses. I had some siblings tell me that since I don’t live at their house anymore, I’m not my Father’s child, that I‘m turning my back on Him and if I don‘t hurry back I‘ll lose everything. I tried to explain how Dad asked me to move because of the training he wanted me to get from my other siblings. I wasn’t mad at anyone, and I‘m sure not turning against our Father! Their insistence that I had misunderstood our Father sent me crying to Him. He was saddened by what was going on, but He reassured me that I was right where He wanted me. They said I must have been tricked, Dad would never have sent me here. They don’t believe Dad would put a house in this district. I tell you, I love Dad more than ever and I’ve been spending a lot of time with Him. Of course I recognize His face and I know His voice! Funny thing is, more than the usual number of siblings in this house resemble Dad than anywhere else I’ve been! Dad says I need to watch my attitude, not get upset back or resentful. They’re doing their best, they just don’t understand, is all. Besides, He’s the one doing the leading, and Father knows best. It’s just I’m really happy being with Him here, and wish they could be happy for me.
At this new house, Father is raising up a choir. They say that nothing is as beautiful as related voices that sing together. They’re right. I can tell from the expression on my Father’s face that He thinks so too. Sometimes He smiles so big you can feel it warm you to the bone. Other times He gets so excited, He starts dancing. When Father starts dancing, there’s nothing like it. Makes you want to raise the roof so everyone can hear you singing! Makes me want to learn to dance.
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Yes, the Father this was written about has read this,what an inspiration He is. Unfortunately, my earthly Father is one of the ones that keeps telling me I've moved to the "wrong house." I keep praying he will come to know "Our Father" better and learn to love him! Thanks!
Wow, has your Dad read this? He would be so honored to know how much he's loved, it's so important to tell our parents thank you and to recognize that we were blessed to have what we have. My Dad is 71 and he is a treasure of love, support and wisdom. Thank you...read this to him...
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