Celebrate the Small Things: My Greatest Achievement

The first time I cracked a can of Coke without spilling any of the precious liquid within, I was so pleased with myself, I blogged about it. I have hung my hat on such triumphs of human spirit, but deep inside there has always been the nagging feeling that there is more to life than the mastery of practical skills.

On Thursday, I had afternoon tea with my daughter at The Shed in Dapto Mall, and it was here that I experienced the highlight of my week. Of all the things I have achieved, both trivial and significant, nothing compares to this- which I always hoped and mostly believed to be true- I have good relationships with my son and daughter, aged 20 and 18 respectively.

As I drank Coke and she a chocolate frappe, my daughter said she feels comfortable with me and close to me, and when she thinks back on her childhood, she sees me, spending time with her: going to school events, taking her to gym training and competitions, playing with her, reading to her.

I thought I might have done irreparable harm to her, and to our realtionship as a result of divorcing her mother, but it appears I worked hard enough through her childhood to have earned her love and trust as a young adult. Now if that's not something to be thankful for, then there is no such thing.

In the arms of my father

I don't remember what it felt like as a child, to be hugged by my father. I know he did it and it must have felt good to be carried or just held in his strong arms. It must have felt safe and secure, and it must have made me feel important, but I don't remember the feeling itself.

I was in church one Sunday, more than ten years ago, standing and singing the song, In the Arms of my Father, while my daughter Alana slept in my arms. Undisturbed by the volume of the music or my loud singing right above her head, she slept peacefully. I had the full weight of her little body in my arms and I cried. I was happy.

As I held my daughter and sang to give thanks to my Father in Heaven, I had a fresh revelation of exactly what kind of love God has for us, his children. It's the kind of love I'm not sure I would have or even could have understood without the experience of being a father myself.

I can't remember what it felt like as a child to be in the arms of my earthly father, and it's unlikely Alana will remember when, God willing, she reaches my age and perhaps holds a child of her own. However, I do remember exactly what it felt like that day in church with Alana in my arms. I vividly recall being 'hugged' by my Father in Heaven that day, and I have felt it again since.

There is nothing in all of the universe that even comes close to the power of God's love for us, and I am so grateful to Him. So with Father's Day coming up, remember to thank your perfect supernatural Dad.