GodReflection: What Make God Smile?

Picture a father who loves his children. I mean one who loves them sacrificially and completely. The dad who keeps the first bicycle upright as a child learns to ride. The father who teaches his young daughter or son how to drive a car. The one who sits up late at night alleging his attention is directed to a ‘work matter,’ when in truth his concern is to see a content child safely arrive home.

Envision a father who knows exactly how to guide his children toward God. He sets the right example. He makes Jesus real and provides perfect nurture for spiritual growth.

Imagine a father who could not possibly love his children more. A dad who coaches and encourages yet is careful not to discourage. Is available but does not hover obnoxiously close. He nurtures them. He is the perfect father.

Ok, I’ve just described a dad who does not exist. But, stay with me for a moment. Allow this father to remain awhile in your imagination.

The day arrives when his orientation has prepared you his child to fly and take your place as a young adult. His request is clear.

From his hand doesn’t extend an autographed copy of The Rules for Life. There is no need to ask for your love. Love for your father is already present. It is ingrained and sustained through relationship.

He has only one expectation. It may not be voiced but it hangs silently in the air and vibrates from his soul: Love others as I have loved you.

He doesn’t make a big deal out of it but as he watches you practice life, perhaps feebly at first, then time and again he sees you get it right. He cannot help himself. A smile of satisfaction brightens his face and swells his heart.

Some, but not all, were blessed with less than perfect fathers and mothers who resemble partially my description. For others a loving father has never been a part of their reality.

The perfect Father does in fact exist.

There is a Father God whose perfect Fatherhood flows from His essence. It pours from deep within His DNA. As a Father who longs for His created ones He extends His grace through His son Jesus to invite you and I to be His children.

He encourages us in our baby faith steps. As we tumble from our God-issued bikes He picks us up, brushes us off and smiles with Fatherly love. He understands.

He remains vigilant day and night in anticipation of our safe arrival within His care. He is present but does not hover obnoxiously close. He extends freedom to grow and to learn.

So here I sit in my sunset years. Over my lifetime Father God has used family, missteps, the church, friends, Scripture and the Spirit to help me grow from my crib to white haired adulthood.

As a son of Holy God, He gifts me with His beloved Jesus and His Spirit who shows me how to love our Father. My elder brother Jesus helps me know the heart of the Father.
I find as my Eternal Father He has only one expectation.

Each time I get it right He smiles. It is the one thing if I get right it brings into focus every hope and instruction Jesus has for my life. My human self doesn’t do it well. In many ways there are days when I am more like a toddler than the mature one He desires for me to be.

He has only one expectation. I don’t hear it shouted from the heavens but it hangs silently in the air and beats from His heart: Love others as I have loved you.

When I get it right He smiles.

Stay tuned.

Dr. Gary J. Sorrells
A GodReflection: God Smiles When I Get It Right

Gary@Godreflection.org
http://www.GodReflection.org
http://www.MakeYourVisionGoViral.com