Skip to main content

The Love of Our Father

Last week, I came into the church office to discover Taylor, the precious, four year old daughter of one of the administration staff, waiting to welcome any incomers. Her little purple dress and sparkly stockings tucked into her new, Christmas boots had her standing proud, displaying her outfit. As I sat down at the computer, opening the email whose inbox desperately required my attention, Taylor stood by my side. Soon, she was on my lap, typing letters one by one, looking to me each time she was unsure of what a letter looked like. In these moments, I felt proud and pleased. I could not control the smile on my face as I watched her little brain work, moving from key to key.
Upon later reflection, I thought of how much easier it would have been to complete my work without Taylor's help. Being a bit of an impatient perfectionist, several times, I thought of throwing a paper her way with some crayons so I could proceed with finishing my to do list; however, I knew how much she wanted to be included. I thought of the powerful parallel in the Lord's inclusion of us, His children. The Lord extends perfect patience to His children on a daily basis. His great love permits us to participate in furthering His Kingdom. How blessed we are to be called His children!
I am certain parents understand a bit more of the love of their Heavenly Father as they, in turn, develop greater love for their children. Having glimpsed small feelings of this parental pride, I am left grateful for the Lord as Father. May you know more of this deep love, remembering that the knowledge of His great love will always prove too wonderful for us to attain.
“Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”
— Matthew 7:9-11
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!
–1 John 3:1
All my love,
Gennavieve

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Hampton Court Palace

Today, I toured Hampton Court Palace, an official historic, royal palace. Following are some of the sights I saw, history I learned, and favorites I enjoyed. The guard chamber of King William III. The magnificent display of 2,871 items of armor and weapons displayed a message that William was a great soldier and peacemaker. William's Presence chamber. Only high-ranking individuals were permitted into this room. William would be distinguished by sitting on a Chair of Estate. Those who entered his presence were required to remove their hats and make three low bows to the King, or even his empty chair. I'm grateful to serve an accessible King, who is with me wherever I go. William's eating room. He was expected to dine here on occasions "in front of persons of good fashion and good appearance," in order to display the sumptuousness of his food and to reassure everyone he was in good health. He was served by three servants on bended knee. William's P
Post a Comment
Read more

Oopsy Daisy

Today I learned a cultural lesson through my daisy chain making. I was just being typical Gennavieve, frolicking in the fields between the rose geranium and picking daisies. I decided to make a chain and, before long, I had quickly assembled a round daisy necklace. I held it for a bit and then one of the workers, Mikeal, came up to our group and I decided to give it to him, so I put the flower garland around his head and it plopped on his neck. Little did I know that my actions meant much more than I had intended. Mikeal's eyes lit up and he screamed in Zulu to his coworkers, proudly showing off his chain. I giggled at first and then after the eruption of laughter from the workers, I realized that I had done something unusual. I swiftly found Pendele, one of the women who I've grown to trust and love who also translates for us, and asked her to explain why the men had been laughing. She began to laugh herself when I told her and after she regained composure she sai
Post a Comment
Read more

JCR Welcoming Dinner

As part of New College, I was cordially invited to a welcoming dinner in the JCR Private Dining Room at St. Catherine's College. This invitation is considered an incredible honor and, after talking to the presidents, many students never receive the privilege of a formal dining experience in a college hall. The evening called for black tie attire, which meant tuxes for the guys and formal dresses for the girls. Luckily, I packed my sister's pink cotton candy gown. The evening began in a welcoming chamber. We entered and, having been handed a glass of sherry, began making small conversation. After a social bit, we were lead to the dining hall, where we were seated at a table purposely designed higher than the other tables in the hall, symbolizing its importance. The plates had individual name cards, designating seats. I sat to the left of the special, middle head-chair which seated, Deepak Mukhi, our program director. I took one glance at my place setting, noting the multi
1 comment
Read more