Father's Heart

Here is the honored daddy in our home, sportin' his new T-shirt with Pride!

In the eyes this mommy and these daughters, he is the best.

His thoughts toward these girls are thoughts of love and kindness.

He is patient. He teaches. He answers incessant questions. He wrassles. He tickles.

He makes me want to be a better person, wife, mommy.

He is sincere. He makes us laugh. A lot.

God choose well. And for that, I will be eternally grateful.

Today, on Father's Day, our Pastor spoke of those without fathers. Orphans.

Tears abounded as a video clip was played following an orphan girl in India for 2 minutes of her life. This little girl could not have been older than five and she was not in an orphanage. She was on the street. She carefully laid out her burlap sack on the ground and put her dirty pillow into place and lay down to sleep. Sorrow.

Joy. What was so exciting was the news that our church will be partnering with Pastor Wolfe and his ministry to orphanages in India. Nine hundred little cards were printed out in 10 dollar increments and by the end of service, they were all gone. Those $10 cards each represented a child to be taken care of. Also thrilling is the start of a Hope Fund for those who desire to adopt, but need financial help.

Maybe we too will adopt someday, but for now, we are quite fruitful in our ever-growing number of children, so we can help with our money.

I remember when I came back from the Dominican Republic years ago. I was so astounded the whole trip at how happy people were, even in poverty. But what really got me, down deep, was the last day when they wanted to bless our group and go out with us to a nice restaurant. That restaurant was Burger King. Most of them could not even afford to eat there. When I got home, I ran up to my room and cried. I determined to take only cold showers for a week to remind myself, in just a little way, of what I take for granted daily. I don't remember if I lasted the whole week, for how easy it is to slide back into American living. It felt gluttonous to me, back in the States.

Just the other day, I was in the shower trying to decide what to wear and complaining in my head that I didn't have any cute and new summer dresses. Oh, how I needed this reminder today, of what is the most important...

This is the essence of the gospel, true religion, to take care of widows and orphans in their need.
To think nothing of self, much of others.

I hope I don't need to be reminded again.

Give me your heart, Father!

~christa jean