Uncontested Love

I didn’t want to go. Not really. My day was already well-planned and filled with my busy. Another day would be better, but another day was not required. No, I would have to change my busy to include the agenda of the man who summoned my presence.

My daddy.

He wanted me to come and to dine with him at his weekly rotary luncheon. Instead of spending a few hours in some much needed preparation time for the evening launch of our women’s Spring Bible study, I was going share lunch with people I did not know, mulling over an agenda that was of no concern to me. I pondered the possibilities for my seemingly necessary attendance.

Perhaps my father was receiving an award of some type. Surely, there had to be more to my making this trip than a simple moment of bonding between father and daughter. I love my dad, and he rarely insists on anything in regards to my busy. So when I sensed the urgency in his voice, I acquiesced and made the hour long trip to meet him for lunch.

I championed my way through the finest fried delicacies that Carolina Barbeque offers. It was a good meal, the kind of eating that swallows sweet, but one that often lingers long and stomachs rough. I exchanged pleasantries with those at my table, all the while exchanging anxious glances with my watch. The meeting was called to order, and after a little of routine and a whole lot of boring, my father was summoned to the front.

He had given a large donation to the Rotary for a mission feeding project overseas. This is not unlike my dad. He boasts a very generous heart. It is in his nature to give; thus, I was not surprised by his humanitarian liberality. What did surprise me was when he called out my name to come to the front and to stand alongside him.

My father’s donation was given in my honor. I was, therefore, officially named as a Paul Harris Fellow, in appreciation “of tangible and significant assistance given for the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations among peoples of the world.”

Are you kidding me? What have I ever done to further the friendly relations among peoples of the world? Who is Paul Harris, and why I am I now considered one of his fellows? “

Humbled by the moment, I received my recognition and quietly sat down. My busy suddenly seemed less insistent…less loud and less imperative. Bible study preparations could wait. Right now, I was going to bask in my moment.

Undoubtedly, most of those in attendance cared little about my accolades and would probably never give me another thought. No matter. What mattered to me is that my father gave me a thought. My daddy loves me and wanted me to know that I am worth…

his thoughts.
his table.
his recognition.
his medal.

Not because I deserve it, but simply because of his uncontested love for me.

There is coming a day, when we—children of the Most High God—will make that final turn toward home. Perhaps in the midst of our busy. Perhaps in the midst of our slow. It matters not our pace. What matters is that we make the trip. Not out of obligation, but rather, because our Father’s love compels us forward.

Therefore, let us find our run. Let us press on and strain hard to take hold of our forever. We are the great and constant thought of our Father. And one day soon, he will give us our moment of recognition—a time in the illuminating light of his presence, when all eyes are fixed in our direction and we hear his words of sacred commendation over our very lives.

Well done, good and faithful servant! Your service to my people has been well recorded. Come and find your place at my table. Come and receive your reward. Come and share in your Father’s fellowship for always.

That is the day that I am longing for, and so I pray…

Compel me, Father, to keep to the road of your forever. Strengthen my frame for the journey ahead. And when I am too busy to give heed to your summons, quiet my life with your uncontested love, and fill my heart with the truth of what awaits me in my tomorrow. How I look forward to sharing heaven with You. Amen.

peace for the journey~
elaine

Enjoyed the Post? Share...

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

Linkedin

email

Digg

Reddit

• ← One Simple Word
• The Power of Suggestion →