“Keep your promises even when it hurts." ~ Psalm
15:4
“Don’t forget to go get Davey’s
clothes, Daddy!” Aayla said as she scampered down the driveway toward the
school bus. In that purple shirt and
jeans she could’ve been anyone, or no-one.
But to Terry, her stepdad, she was the world itself after his wife died
unexpectedly.
Last night, while cooking dinner, Aayla asked him: “Dad,
will you take Davey with you tomorrow, wherever you go?” It was the first time he remembered her
calling him ‘Dad.’
Like most busy parents trying to
keep up a dialogue while preparing dinner, Terry answered “Sure!” without full
realizing what he’s said. When she
became visibly excited he knew he was all-in.
“Daaaaady,” she continued by upping the ante. “Can you also buy Davey some clothes? He doesn’t have any that fit right."
The demands kids place on parents range from the necessary
(“Wipe my nose!”) to the ridiculous (“Pick the raisins from my cereal!”). But we can all agree that a promise is an
obligation, especially if they don’t forget and constantly remind us.
So this heavily tattooed Dad whose work shirt was adorned
with the nickname ‘Punisher’ went to the garage and began searching for a car
seat. At some point during dinner, he
remembered Aayla reminding him that Davey needed to be strapped in. “Because, you know … safety.”
The man whose exterior screamed manliness lifted Davey from
his crib, placed him in the car seat, and drove to the store. Once inside they grabbed a cart and
approached a young sales person.
“Miss, where are your clothes for little babies?” he asked.
Imagine the confusion as the doe-eyed clerk stared at the burly,
6’2”, seriously inked man pushing what was clearly a doll strapped into his
cart (safety first). Appearances may
often be deceiving, but her puzzled look seemed quite legit.
She kindly directed Terry to the baby clothes area. He rejected several ill-fitting outfits
before making his way to the cash register with a few perfect choices. If Terry was embarrassed at all, it didn’t
show.
Having been issued a challenge
by his daughter, this tough-looking guy delivered big time. Terry wanted Aayla to know that she was
special; that she could always trust and believe in him.
If that’s not great parenting – I’m
not sure what qualifies.
It’s a lot like our Creator
God’s love for us. We can only hope to
imitate his parenting skills.
He knows us having shaped us. He provides for us, loves us unconditionally,
and longs for engaging relationships with us. He forgives our many sins, clothes us with new
identity, and guarantees an abundant life to those who believe in Him.
God never made a promise that
was too good to be true; or one He didn’t keep.
Perfect nurturing!
Heavenly Father, thank You for revealing
Yourself as the ultimate promiser, in whom I can completely trust. Help me to honor all my commitments, even
when it’s difficult, expensive, or inconvenient. Amen
