CARING FATHERS

(From my newest devotional, Every Day With Jesus, November 19)

        In 1975, Mom and Dad sold the farm they’d owned for 40 years and moved into town. They bought a snug two story house near church and lived there 15 years before moving into the nursing home. Their marriage was a model of caring for each other. 

        The picture of them I carry in my mind is this: When it was time for bed, Mom would start up the stairs and Dad would walk right behind her, his arms spread wide as his hands held both handrails in case she should stumble or lean back too far. He’d had both railings installed to support her as she went up. Coming down, he would often walk slowly in front of her. 

        It reminds me of Solomon’s advice for us: “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. If one falls, the other will lift him up. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)

        God seeks our good by giving us parents, friends and neighbors who can help. After creation, all was good for people except being alone. Thus He said, “It is not good for man to be alone. I will make a helper for him.” (Genesis 2:18) 

        Fathers are God’s protective arms and hands for us as we go through life. God reaffirmed this when He said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrew 13:5) Jesus was with His disciples in ministry but He was alone suffering for us on the Cross. He promises we will never need to be alone again. 

Thank You, Heavenly Father, for always being with us.