If you are a regular reader of this blog, you may recall that Pam and I do not have children. In fact, I’ve written previously about my thoughts on Father’s Day for those who are not fathers. Today, I am excited to share what the Lord continues to teach me—a truth that encourages my heart daily regarding what truly pleases Him.
For 27 years, Pam and I have invested in students across two seminary campuses and various colleges. Many have become incredibly special to us; in fact, their children know us simply as “Papaw Chuck” and “Mamaw Pam.” We are blessed to have spiritual sons, daughters, and grandchildren around the world—all, as I often joke, without the need to change diapers or pay for tuition! It is a profound joy to participate in God’s partnership with believers.
There are specific moments that completely thrill my soul—experiences I am certain biological and adoptive fathers already understand. These moments involve the deep satisfaction of helping others in discovering your calling and finding purpose in God’s kingdom.
- When a “son” identifies me as a “dad” to him. The words themselves are powerful, but the emotions behind them are even more potent. I awaken in the night with joy when I have these kinds of memories.
- When a “son” comes to me with a need. I delight because he asks, and I delight even more when I can actually help meet the need. I’m grateful to God that He has blessed us with resources and networks to help my son.
- When a “son” likes just hanging out with me. I know I’m an older man. I realize I don’t always understand the thinking or the words of the next generation. So, I love it when a son wants to spend time with me. I can’t wait to “hang” (a word that, in my opinion, requires “out”–but apparently not to young folks), especially when he can’t wait to hang with me.
- When a “son” who isn’t walking with the Lord still respects me and invites me to have honest faith conversations with him. I agonize over my son, desperately wanting the Lord to draw him back to Him. I grieve, and I pray. And, I thank the Lord for allowing me to have honest, open, thoughtful conversations with my son even when we differ.
- When a son says, “I love you.” I admit that words are one of my love languages, but I’m still amazed by how much the words mean when they come from my son—especially a son I’ve “adopted” by choice. Just a few, simple, meaningful words from my son can help me put up with a lot of junk in the rest of life.
Here’s why all this matters to me. The older I get, and the longer I walk with the Lord, the more I think about the significance of a relationship with my Creator. I’m deeply grateful He’s my “dad.” I can only imagine based on my own experience how much He is pleased when I run to Him with my needs—needs He can always meet according to His will.
I’m sure He delights when I just want to hang out with Him, and that reality makes me want to do that even more. He welcomes my questions and loves me even when I wrestle with faith and struggle trusting Him. And, I want Him to hear me say often not only with my words but also with my actions, “I love you, Dad.”
I want Him to be pleased–to have reason to sing over me with joy today (Zeph 3:17). Amen.
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This article originally appeared on ChuckLawless.com and is reposted here by permission.