Jen’s Gem: God’s love is eternal.

At every holiday, my father would begin the meal by saying grace. He’d get about thirty seconds into the prayer and get so choked up, that he was unable to finish. Inevitably, my Mom would take over and the feeding frenzy would begin.

One would not characterize my Dad as mushy. He did not wear his heart on his sleeve. Yet for some reason, with his family gathered around our dining room table, his emotions got the better of him. His tough exterior covered up a warm and loving heart few people saw.

It’s risky to let people see who you really are. Maybe they won’t love you or accept you. Maybe they’ll gossip about you behind your back. Maybe they’ll abandon you. When God sent His Son Jesus to earth, He knew all of these responses would happen and more.

I recently finished reading 3:16: The Numbers of Hope by Max Lucado, which is focused on one Bible verse that sums up how much God loved His family.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (NKJV)

The book breaks down each phrase of this Scripture and its meaning in a way that gives you an in depth look at the heart of God. Yet contrary to my father who bared his heart a few times a year, God showed us His on that fateful day some 2000+ years ago. He held nothing back. Not even His own Son.

That’s a love none of us can fully comprehend. However, as a mom, my heart pops when I think of my kids so I can just imagine how God must feel when He thinks of you and me. Perhaps that’s what happened with my father.

Today is Father’s Day – a tough day for those of us whose fathers are no longer here. Yet for me, I find solace and comfort knowing that my Father in heaven is watching out for me and providing for me and my kids. Because of what His Son did, I know I’ll see my Dad again one day.

And it’ll be me who won’t be able to finish my sentence.

A blessed and happy Father’s Day to one and all.