Happy Father's Day...Here's to Redemption

We all hear stories about dads not being there. Single moms and dead beat dads are all too common these days. Everyone has a sob story; I've got one too. But, I decided to lay it down in order to have redemption. The peace of restoration is a much lighter load than the resentment of unforgiveness.

This Father's Day I decided to take a trip down memory lane. But I chose the path often neglected; the path of what he did right. I remember daddy combing my hair, and allowing me to hike the football at 4 years old. He told me that hiking the ball under my dress was unladylike so I just turned around and handed it to him. We waited what seemed like hours for him to fix that breakfast of pumpkin pancakes. I remember having picnics in the park eating bologna sandwiches, and late nights playing monopoly. There were those Sabbath afternoons on Lake Erie as we sat on that rocky cliff watching the sunset. We took a boat ride and I got stung by a bee. I think that was the same time I took a swig of his pop and he was left fishing my gum out of his bottle. When I was eight, he told me the truth about the divorce; always man enough to admit when he was wrong.

I learned about redemption by watching my father's life. No matter how far you fall there's still hope. It doesn't matter how deep that pit may be, God is still able to pull you out of it. As a child, I saw him lose everything. But now, I'm seeing it restored. I believe in redemption.

I told my father that regardless of what was or wasn't done to live a life free of guilt and regret. I told him to walk having a clear conscience and not to let anyone try to keep him in the bondage of shame. Truthfully, I don't care about being right or getting some sort of justice for the things suffered. I only care about restoration.

We are adults a lot longer than we are children. No one can change yesterday or the mistakes that were made, but we can change tomorrow by choosing not to repeat them. We can forgive and let go of anger, bitterness, resentment, and hurts. Then, we are free to grab hold of redemption.

For those of you who grew up with your fathers in your life, praise God for them. If your father wasn't in your life, as long as you both are living, there is time for reconciliation. I promise you, forgiveness is the lighter load.