Father's Expectations
We finally signed our middle child up for some extra-curricular activities. This spring, it's coach-pitch baseball. We've been outside practicing with him a few times this week and are happy to see that Matthew can hit the ball fairly well and knows to run to the right. I think he's off to a good start.
Lydia has been going to a dance class once a week and had her first performance in an assisted living facility. It was fun, but crowded. I think we were expecting a bit more of the professional side of dance, but this seems to be merely a recreational dance class, even though it is grounded in the fundamentals. It's a well-rounded blend of lyrical, tap, jazz and ballet. She got a late start in the class, but does seem to be picking it up as well as some of the other girls.
I wonder how God feels when we try something new? Especially if it's something He has asked us to do. Probably a lot like we feel when we see our children. We groan a bit if they strike out or trip on stage, and applaud at the close of the game or performance when they did their best. Scripture tells us that God will rejoice over us in singing. We also know that if He tells us to rejoice with those who do rejoice and weep with those who weep, He does the same. There must be a reason He is referred to as our Heavenly Father and when we are good parents to our children we are simply modeling what we see in our Father.
What wonderful news that we are God's children when we accept the gift of life that Jesus gave us. And in our acceptance of that gift we also receive the role of child. As the perfect Father, He loves us with an everlasting love, and trains us with just discipline. If only we could always show that love to our children as he does to us. "Behold what manner of love is this that we should be called the children of God!" 1 John 3:1
Lydia has been going to a dance class once a week and had her first performance in an assisted living facility. It was fun, but crowded. I think we were expecting a bit more of the professional side of dance, but this seems to be merely a recreational dance class, even though it is grounded in the fundamentals. It's a well-rounded blend of lyrical, tap, jazz and ballet. She got a late start in the class, but does seem to be picking it up as well as some of the other girls.
I wonder how God feels when we try something new? Especially if it's something He has asked us to do. Probably a lot like we feel when we see our children. We groan a bit if they strike out or trip on stage, and applaud at the close of the game or performance when they did their best. Scripture tells us that God will rejoice over us in singing. We also know that if He tells us to rejoice with those who do rejoice and weep with those who weep, He does the same. There must be a reason He is referred to as our Heavenly Father and when we are good parents to our children we are simply modeling what we see in our Father.
What wonderful news that we are God's children when we accept the gift of life that Jesus gave us. And in our acceptance of that gift we also receive the role of child. As the perfect Father, He loves us with an everlasting love, and trains us with just discipline. If only we could always show that love to our children as he does to us. "Behold what manner of love is this that we should be called the children of God!" 1 John 3:1
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