By Kelly Akins
Today we celebrate Father’s Day. I am fortunate to have a loving relationship with my Daddy. He set a wonderful example of living a good life, not an easy life, as George and Timothy say during family dedications. When I was growing up, he was the minister of music, and so we were always at church. I learned how to be grateful, gracious and respectful because of the way he interacted with people. My Daddy is humble, kind and a patient teacher. He exhibits many other attributes that I admire as well. My mother also exemplifies these traits, but we are focusing on fathers today.
I realize not everyone has a loving relationship with their father, and there are many reasons this happens. If this is your situation, know that you are loved by Wilshire and welcome here. Our prayers are with you continually.
In our Scripture today, Abraham sent Hagar and her son into the wilderness. He provided food and water for them before he sent them away. In this way, Abraham shows the trait of a loving father. However, when they ran out of food and water, God provided what they needed and cared for them. When Hagar was crying, God called out to Hagar and told her to not be afraid because he would make a great nation of her son. Then God opened Hagar’s eyes to a well, and he was with them in the wilderness. When was the last time you trusted God to provide what you need?
God cares for his own and restores and renews our strength. He sets the ultimate example of how to respond to others. We are to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. God requires that we love all others. In today’s Psalm reading, David praises God for his wondrous deeds and acknowledges that he alone is God.
May the God of creation, the God of Abraham and the God who loves you as you are be your father and friend.