So, I had my list. So, I made my way to ALDI to make a quick grab of the items for the week. Yes, but so did everyone else! I needed six items. There was a sea of people fishing for quarters to get carts and get going. I took a deep breath and knew that this was going to take a little longer than expected. [by the way, I always get a cart, because they have that one aisle with the neat stuff that you did not know you needed.]
As I made my way, I noticed a young father and son. The little boy was 3 ½ or maybe 4 years old. He was helping to push the cart and at other times, riding on the front of the cart. You could see that the dad, while about his business, was not only attentive to the boy, he was enjoying him. Truly, It was a privilege to witness. There was a sense of intimate delight of the father in the joy of the son. It was beautiful.
I happened to be behind them in the check-out. Again, the scene unfolded. The boy lifting cans and boxes helping his dad. His dad encouraging him, helping him in turn, and getting it done together. I even got to see them make there way to their car. It really was a beautiful thing to see.
It made me think of our relationship with God our Heavenly Father. He does not change … we do. At one time, we were like the little boy…trusting, loving, attached to and focused on our parent…on the one guiding our way.
Somewhere along the way, we drift away from the cart. We might even be in the store, but we think we can do it all by ourselves. How did that happen? What caused that? Each of us can answer the question…our life experiences can make us isolate ourselves, distance ourselves, lie to ourselves about what is real and what is true.
The Good New is Our Father has not changed. He loves us. He still wants to guide our cart. He still wants to delight in our journey. He still longs for us to be about what He is about. Lent helps us remember that. Our God is a Good Good Father!
Good Good Father lyrics © Capitol Christian Music Group
Songwriters: Anthony Brown / Pat Barrett
Sung by Chris Tomlin