Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Parent (11/16/06)
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TITLE: Searching for Connection | Previous Challenge Entry
By Brenda Smith
11/22/06 -
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We are a generation addicted to connectivity. Starbucks becomes the “office of choice” for millions as we swallow coffee and get swallowed up in wireless communication. But at what cost is this redefinition of relationship? We hold each other at arm’s length while creating electronic bonds that make us feel welcomed and warmed. Cyber families now fill in great gaps that distant and often absent parents leave.
My friend says that her stomach ties in knots when her Dad makes a rare phone call. Hearing his voice reminds her of past attempts and painful failures. “He is my Dad – doesn’t he owe me more than this?” Her anger hides the scars on her soul.
How often we hear, “I’m sorry, but we got disconnected. I must have hit a low spot.” Our common mobile phone experience makes the Verizon commercials funny. “Can you hear me now? Can you hear me now?” Cellular disconnections irritate us and make life inconvenient. Parental disconnections make us feel like misfits. Parenting should mean protection and provision. It should model surrender and sacrifice.
“Is it possible that you want something from him that he cannot give?” My question remained unanswered for two days. Email gives us the freedom to ignore. When we don’t look each other in the eye we gain control. Finally the chirpy “you’ve got mail” sound indicated that a response waited.
“It isn’t fair, is it? Parents are supposed to love their children so that they feel nurtured, treasured, and cherished. Why can’t he love me like I need him to love me?”
There are no email icons for sighing and sobbing, but I knew that tear drops fell on the keyboard as she stroked those thoughts. No, it isn’t fair, but that is part of the awful price of Eden’s fall. When Adam pointed a finger and Eve quickly passed on the blame the indelible mark of inadequate relationships marred the hearts of mankind.
“Good news! We have a perfect parent who not only connects with us, but understands us exactly as we are. He sent His Son, Jesus, to open the doors for reconciliation and restoration that exceeds anything you could desire with your earthly Dad.”
My announcement of grace took her by surprise. “I gave up that church stuff years ago. If Dad can’t find a place for me, why should I believe that there is an invisible God who even remotely cares?” She still longs for a Dad who sees her, knows her and loves her. She wants a Dad whose emotional cell phone doesn’t disconnect when it hits low spots.
It has been months since our interchange first began. The calls from her Dad still leave her shaken and unsure, but less so. The ache in her heart for a storybook ending still exists. But every once in a while I get a quick note talking about what “Abba” did and smile knowing that she now is held by a Daddy that will never let her go.
She is growing in the knowledge of a Father who sees her just as He saw Hagar. She is stretching to embrace the gifts of a Father who protected Esther and strengthened Hannah. She is experiencing the presence of a Father who rejoices over her and will present her as a most stunning daughter.
Scott Peck tells us that “life is difficult.” The praise song says it even better, “Life is hard, but God is good.” Praise be to the God and Father of us all!
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