Fatherhood
Two weeks ago this past Saturday our 10th grandchild was born, Abigail Darlene Rodgers. She is doing much better due to the Hand of God on her life, though she remains in the NICU. Anyway, the journey with Abigail caused me to think over the past few days about fatherhood.
In addition, one of the nurses who are caring for Abigail talked to me about her child, one whom she adopted eight years ago. The main thing I got from the conversation is that this little girl is not her adopted daughter; she is her daughter.
I have watched Abigail’s father over the past weeks and months. I was not worried about her Mom becoming a mother. Motherhood somehow seems second nature to most women with a new baby. Fatherhood is not a guarantee, in my opinion. I was worried, I have to say. I thought it would be OK, but I was not sure that this masculine guy could be a father with all the attributes that are needed.
I watched him transform from an almost passive bystander who seemed a little apathetic about the whole thing. Then Abigail entered the scene. The change was instantaneous. Micah became a father. Not a father in name, but a father in every way. A gentle, nurturing person emerged. The same gentle person who was all about nurturing his little girl also became fiercely protective. He never left her side when her life was hanging in the balance. He came to her defense whenever he felt it was called for. It was obvious that nothing else mattered to him. His focus was single-mindedly on Abigail.
This all reminded me of our Heavenly Father. “the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by Him we cry, ‘Abba, Father’. The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” (NIV) God has adopted us but brought us to complete belonging as His children. I am not just an adopted son. I am God’s son. Yes, He is the one who will bring correction when needed as all good fathers will do, but our Father in heaven is a gentle, nurturing father. He is also our fierce protector. He never leaves our side when we are in trouble, in pain, in grief, or in any terrible time of need. It should be obvious, but if it is not, let me remind you and us all: Nothing else matters to Him. Nothing. His focus is single-minded and clear. I am His son. You are His child. Not adopted; when we put our faith and trust in Him, we are His children in every way.
