He Kept His Promise

Photo: Google Images–http://giftofsleepconsulting.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/father-holding-newborn-baby.jpg. Enhanced by Renae Bowman

The day she was born, he held her using both hands. His right cupped under her delicate head and the left at her little feet. As in a Lion King moment, he raised her high up into the air, presenting his bundle of joy to the world.   As he lifted his tiny daughter, the tears of joy streamed down his cheeks as he declared her presence in the world. “She is mine! Look world, here is my girl!!” And as he brought his sleeping baby back down to his chest, he kissed her cheeks ever so slightly and whispered, “I’ll protect you for the rest of your life.”

She crawled up into his lap and snuggled there for hours. As long as she sat with him, he barely moved.  He knew these days were precious and short, and he cried tears of joy as he looked down at the wonderful creation curled up and as content as could be. He leaned forward and gently kissed her forehead, whispering in her ear, “Never forget, I will always protect you.”

In the heat of the battle, she chose words only rebellious youth do. She scowled at him and yelled and said hurtful things. She told him she didn’t want him around. She told him he wasn’t a good dad. She told him she didn’t love him. And as his heart broke and tears fell from his eyes, he leaned forward and tried to gently pull her in, but she pulled back. She turned and ran away, never hearing him softly say, “I’ll still protect you, I still love you, no matter what.”

He stood with her at the altar, a new man near her, but her heart full of conflict between the old and the new. Her heart wasn’t fully reconciled with him but her aging had softened the distance. She knew she still needed him, but now life would be different and he was no longer the man in her life. She was content with the replacement. He knew he had little say in the matter but honored her wishes. And as the ceremony began, he leaned in and softly kissed her cheek. The words weren’t needed but he knew, he’d still be her protector.

Growing up changed her.  Life had happened. Trials came.  She understood the chasm—the rift between them. She wanted to bridge the gap but she didn’t know how. Her heart ached for all that had happened. The fairytale was over. Problems took the place of happiness. Pain seeped through to every part of life. And she remembered his promise. She longed to hear the words again. She wanted to hear his voice. She wanted the soft kisses on her cheek. But pride wouldn’t let her call.

…And then he called her.

He said he had a feeling she needed him.  He asked if he could help.  He told her, “I promised I’ll always protect you.”  He asked if she would let him.  She wept as she finally said yes. She wept as she remembered the promise. She wept as she remembered the kisses. He wept because she said yes.

Joy returned.

As she kissed her children goodbye, she looked at the faces around her gathered for this moment. She told them her trip was one of a lifetime—she couldn’t wait. She said she’d see them again soon. She said remember his promise.  She smiled slightly and a single tear fell. She closed her eyes for the last time. Their tears came harshly but hers were dried.

He leaned in and scooped her up, raising her into the heavens and declared as loudly as he could, “She is mine! She’s always been mine! Look heaven, she is my daughter and she is home!”

May you feel the ever presence of your Heavenly Father. Whether you are nestled in His lap or have turned from Him in anger—Our God—Our Jesus—made a solemn promise on the day you were born He would always protect you.  He bore a Cross for that purpose.  He kept His promise.  May you see Him in your happiness and in your pain, and know He is waiting for you to call out. Let Him fulfill His promise. Let Him come in. Let Him be the Protective Father you need.   For He has declared of you, with tears of joy, “This is my daughter, she is mine!”

His promise is true.   His protection is real.     It will last your whole life.

Genesis 15:1, Jeremiah 1:5, Malachi 2:10, Psalm 145:13, Luke 15:20, Luke 19:41-42, Romans 8:15-16, Hebrews 13:5, James 1:18