Love

Submitted by: Keriena

Bible Version: NIV

One of my dad's favorite stories of me is of when I was about 6yrs old and he would take care of me whenever my mom went out of town. He only knew how to cook one thing: French toast.  So we'd have it for breakfast, lunch and dinner...for days.  It didn't bother me, though, because I loved French toast. And I appreciated what he did for me. I remember he used to serve it to me in bed, on a tray, with eggs, juice, a neatly folded napkin and a fresh cut flower displayed in a vase. I think he enjoyed the look on my face of pure delight, EVEN MORE than I enjoyed his French toast!

As I grew up, he always made my friends feel right at home in what could be otherwise uncomfortable situations. Whenever my girlfriends were over and we stayed up until the wee hours of the morning talking in the kitchen, instead of reprimanding us for staying up so late, he would do a silly "rock and roll" type dance to show he was "hip", or at least he thought he was - and then we'd all break into a loud laughter.  Or the very first time he met Darwin and said, "Wow! I like your earrings. Where did you get them from? Your mother?"  And once again, caught off guard, there was lots of laughter.  I think he enjoyed making them laugh, EVEN MORE than I enjoyed laughing!

After my mom died, I would visit him every Thursday night for dinner.  At the time, I thought I was doing something nice for him, but now I realize how much he was doing for me!  He would park elsewhere, just so I could have his parking space. He would shop and prepare an elaborate, several course meal, including homemade Chinese soup and my favorite, steamed minced pork with salted egg (no more French toast!).  He had me sit at a beautifully set table, (with neatly folded napkin, dad-style), and then proceed to serve me a wonderful hot meal complete with dessert and tea. Then we would just sit and talk, (and even cry) together for hours. At the end of the evening he would insist on washing my dishes, despite my attempts at offering.  He wanted to show his love for me.  I think he enjoyed displaying his love for his daughter EVEN MORE than I enjoyed being the recipient of it!

Jesus prepared his disciples breakfast, he met people wherever they were at, he even washed their feet, all to convey his deep, boundless love for them.  I am humbled not only to have been a recipient of a father's love for his daughter, but EVEN MORE, a recipient of Christ's personal love for me shown through my dad.

As grateful as I am to have a Lord and Savior who saved even me, I know He loves me EVEN MORE than I can ever imagine or comprehend!  And he purely delights in seeing my delight!   What a wonderful, loving Father we have in heaven!

I am at work daily to display to my children what my father exemplified to me: the constant, humble, unconditional love of Jesus through prayer, exhortation, and wise counsel.  May He be glorified in all things; even French toast.

John 15:9