Fears and Tears

Our Father, the first words Jesus taught His Apostles, His Followers, when they asked how to pray. Jesus withdrew to pray to His Father in secret, but they had a longing in their hearts for the words.

The first two words are striking, Our Father – a Father to all, a Father that is always there, a Father that watches over and protects, a Father that loves.

On the way of wisdom I direct you. I lead you on straightforward paths. When you walk, your step will not be impeded and should you run, you will not stumble. Hold fast to instruction,never let her go; keep her, for she is your life. Proverbs 4:11-12

I have been blessed with my “earthly” father who has been there for me all my life. A father that was there as I took my first breath, my first steps, and celebrated my first birthday. A father that took me to countless Disney movies, camping trips which usually included four-wheeling over some harrowing mountain passes and fishing in the clear blue lakes of Colorado.

A father that would work hard to support his family, most often working second shift and not taking much of a lunch hour. A father who always has a word of advice for us girls, a father that lived in a house full of hair products and make-up and overstuffed closets.

A father who learned to let go as we grew up and spent more time with friends, then boyfriends, and finally leaving home for our husbands to start our own families . A father that would delight in becoming a grandfather and whose heart would break as his daughters would move out of state, where he would watch his grandchildren grow up from afar.

A father of few words, a father that was there, a father that still is – across the miles, a father that loves. Our father, two words that turns my gaze upwards to my Heavenly Father, while revealing to me my earthly father. Two little words that carry so much meaning, that speak to my heart and show me what it is to love – Our Father.

Children, pay heed to a father’s right; do so that you may live. For the Lord sets a father in honor over his children; He who honors his father atones for sins; He who honors his father is gladdened by children and when he prays he is heard. He who honors his father will live a long life. In word and deed, honor your father that his blessing may come upon you, for a father’s blessing gives a family firm roots. Sirach 3-6,8-9