A daughter (well into her teens) was thrust into her father's life out of necessity. The father, sadly had done little (if anything) to cultivate a relationship with his daughter over the years. Yet, he assumed because he had held the title of dad, he and his daughter would hit the ground running. His daughter saw this very differently.
His perspective: He was dad. That was the relationship.
Her perspective: He was distant. There was no relationship.
This was a very small scene in what was mostly an upbeat, and silly movie. Yet, it is what held my attention. My heart broke. First, for the dad. Then, for the daughter.
Not because I had a distant dad. I was blessed to have a present and active dad until the day he was ushered into heaven. And not because I was a distant daughter. By the grace of God, I have been a present and active daughter to my earthly mother and father.
My heart broke because, I have (at times) been a distant daughter to my Heavenly Father.
- Times when I have neglected to stoke the fire on the altar of my heart.
- Times when I have turned away from my first love, Jesus.
- Times when I have drifted ... and selfishly gone my own way.
- Times when I have confused my title (christian) with my relationship with Christ.
Title does not equal relationship. Our relationship with Jesus is ongoing and daily.
These are not my words ... Jesus said:
Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23
It's daily. No matter how long we have been a christian. It's daily.
We must empty ourselves (of our pride, of our selfishness, of our ambitions, of our desires, of our agenda, etc.) daily ... and follow Him. That's relationship. That's Discipleship. That's where purpose is found. In Jesus.
Such a great reminder, Patty. Daily. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteDear Patty, being friends from long ago, today I remembered your blog and found it this particular post today. Your message here is quite very encouraging... Thank You!
ReplyDelete