Father Heart of God

I got an email yesterday from a friend that gave me pause...a pause that has lasted since I received her email. Since my father's passing, I have received so many cards and emails...all lifting me up and holding me up. I really think I would have crumbled without them (not that I didn't crumble). Her email, though, gave me perspective and something to think about.

She said it was such a "joy" to be praying for us in this time. She said that it has been amazing to hear about my father (especially as one who does not have an "earthly father) as amazing as mine was. Well, let me just copy and paste what she wrote:

It has been truly such a joy to pray with you during
this time. As someone who does not have an earthly
father, your relationship with your dad has been such
an inspiration and testimony. So, thank you for
sharing in a time when it is hard to remember and
thank you for allowing us a glimpse into the Father
heart of God as displayed through your amazing Dad!

WOW! My father displayed the Father Heart of God?? You know, I have always said I have trouble grasping the true father heart of God BECAUSE of my father. While a great dad, he was not very affectionate, physically or emotionally. It's funny how you can see the negative and just sit on that...and not see the positive and sit on that....at least not until a death (or something close to it). I had honestly not thought of him in that way until I received this email. Than it is a WHAM to the side of the head.

Yes, my dad did exhibit the Father Heart of God. He sacrificed himself (no, I am not trying to compare his sacrifice to that of the Ultimate Sacrifice) for me and my livlihood. He loved me unconditionally. He guided me while giving me freewill. He was always there for me. He grieved over me and he cheered for me. I am not eloquent as many of my counterpart bloggers are, but you get the idea.

How could I have missed this?? Thank you, DB, for showing me this...even though you had no idea of the personal turmoil I had put on myself. Though it is with my dad's death that I have come to appreciate the man who was my father, I see now with clearer eyes. With this comes a greater understanding of so many things...and a new perspective.