Our father just celebrated his 87th birthday. As he has aged agility and presence of mind has slowly taken its toll on his body and mind. He is often forgetful. He is almost obsessed by food. He stumbles and falls sometimes. He loses his words and often points, whispers or shrugs. His hearing is failing. Recently my sister made an interesting observation when I was tying my tennis shoes. I always double tie then and the bow ends up on the side of my shoes instead of the middle. She pointed at my shoes and says, “You tie your shoes just like Dad!” I stopped and thought about that for a while. What else do I do like my Dad?
I now understand why he grips his coffee cup so tightly in the morning, embracing the heat of the cup. I too now battle with arthritis that has plagued him for years. On any given subject, we both can disagree with the popular point of view. More often than not, our statements are clear and concise. We’re to the point. So my conclusion is that I’m honored to be like my Dad. He has worked hard all of his life. He loves to help people. He studies his Bible. He would do anything for his family. He overlooks the glaring faults of others. As wonderful as those traits are, there is another Father that we should emulate. Our Heavenly Father.
What does our life look like when we look like God? God is Love.
1 John 4:8
Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.
God is patient.
2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
God is truth.
Psalm 18:30
This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.
Can people look at us and say, he is illustrating the character of God? How much do we resemble our Father in Heaven? It’s not easy, but it can be done. Be thankful that we have the perfect example to follow. Walk with God. Walk like God would walk. And if God chooses to wear shoes, tie your shoes exactly like God would tie His.
Adopted Through Grace 