God The Father

As I think about God and the different ways He is referred to in the Bible, the three most easily defined for me are "The Creator," "The King," and "The Father." I see these applied in the Old Testament as well as the New Testament. However, the Father is mostly mentioned in the New Testament. The relationship I am hoping to form with God requires me to find an aspect of Him that I can understand and grow with. The Father is the one that works best for me because I am a parent myself. Combining my past as a child with my current role as a parent enables me to understand the expectations of a father and the hopes of his child.

The Creator makes me aware of my weaknesses and the fact that I can do nothing for Him that He cannot do better. This can create a feeling of uselessness and, in some cases, a dependence that leads to inaction. It can be difficult to grow knowing that there is nothing I can do that He needs. A parent, however, is aware of the child's limitations and enjoys the opportunity to be of help. The Lord is my strength, but it is through faith that I act. The knowledge that He is there for me drives me to action. My son and I are both artists, and I am always pleased when he asks for my help. I get to teach a new lesson and am reminded of the lessons that he has learned, especially the humility to ask for help. 

The King keeps me aware of my shortcomings. The laws created by the King are so far beyond my abilities that I almost gave up on my commitment. To know that I fail Him every day was a difficult burden to bear. He is aware that children will make mistakes, but a parent will forgive and, if possible, use this as an opportunity to teach a lesson. Acceptance of a child's failings and the will to find a positive side is an important sign of love. When a child is aware that they are loved, they can grow stronger knowing they can call upon a greater power if needed. My daughter told me that I could make a lecture out of anything, but when she needs a solution, she braces herself and asks anyway. 

When I speak of myself as a father, I also keep in mind my mother. She had to play the role of father for a major portion of my childhood. Her role as a teacher, guardian, and nurturer as I grew up is the main reason I am the man I am. Before their separation, my father taught me things, of course. My mother, however, actually listened to and responded to the individual that I am, not just the idea of a dependent child.  There were, of course, things she could not identify with because I am male, but she had the humility to seek out advice. I believe that men and women are meant to combine to represent the full spectrum of household leadership. 

The Father accepts my humanity; I am not perfect, and He does not expect me to be. He knows where I come up short, and that is where He meets me to strengthen and support me. God the Father brings to the forefront the idea of patience and understanding. When I make a mistake, His intent is that I become a better person, not that I will be destroyed. So often I hear of the sinful nature of humankind, how people are unworthy of God's love and grace. It is this unworthiness that makes His love so profound.

I look at the work my mother put into raising her five children, and I see how many things she had to resolve with no reward but our betterment, and I tried to do the same for my children. I believe the Father set that standard and continues to do so every day. 

I am grateful that the Creator chose to bring me into this world and even more thankful for my children. I try to live within the Word of my King, and I appreciate the value of applied boundaries. The knowledge that I can call on my Father when I need Him, however, is what sustains me through the day and the troubled times that I am sure everyone has sometimes. Whichever aspect of God provides a person with the balance they need, bear in mind that these aspects are all parts of the same God.