I got it...

I received this story in an email from a 30 year-old in our church ...

"I had an amazing revelation today.

While giving my dad a ride home from work, I was trying to make conversation. So, I told him about how I am training to run a mini marathon. I am pretty excited about it. I haven't wanted to tell him because I know that he will just 'rain on my parade'. But I gave him the benefit of the doubt and told him. The first thing out of his mouth was, 'You won't be able to do that.'

This is my father. Everyone that I've told has encouraged me, but not my own father. Can I be upset? I knew that he would try to dash my hope, but I told him anyway.

Well, I've been feeling pretty bummed about it. As I've been trying to spend time with God, I felt prompted to write a letter to my Dad. I'm not going to send the letter because my dad has expressed no interest in knowing how I feel, but writing it out was very helpful for me.

When I finished, I looked for scriptures to help me make sense of things, and I really meditated on them. While meditating, I realized that I am worthy, useful, and capable of doing anything. My life is not empty. I have so much. I have done so much. It might not be what my dad would call 'good enough'. But it's not nothing. And I have done most of it without him. In fact, most of it has been in spite of him. I have given my life to Christ. That is big. And I did it without him or his approval. I don't need his approval. I don't need his encouragement either. I have something way better than that. I have the death of Jesus Christ that says that I am worthy. I really wanted to let you know."

And I'm so glad to know! It's hard to tell when or if people will have ''ears to hear or eyes to see" how much they matter to God. This person, like so many others, has taken a lot of steps, in groups, in volunteering, in classes, persistantly, consistently...and we keep wondering. When will they get it? When will they see what's right in front of them?

It's just so cool when they do!

Comments

[Adam]

I wish I could find a companion to share my life with. Kathy talked about how she enjoys being with her husband. And she talked about how it's not about other peeps it's about you. But it is so fulfilling to have a companion to cuddle up with every night.

Yes it does help to have Dads that are supportive. And I also find that connecting with Christ is useful.

As Kathy said Adam sinned by eating the forbidden fruit. I went to a different church in Indianapolis this past weekend. And they played one of my favorite songs:

Jesus paid it all
All to him I owe
Sin had left a crimson stain
He washed it white as snow

That song reminds me of the first "First Wednesday" when Trace sang it. I don't know why they have not played it at First Wed since. The first one was the best one.