I hope all fathers had a happy Father’s Day yesterday. Some of you have lost your dads…others may have had or have a bad relationship with their fathers…or some none at all. But we each should take comfort in the fact that we all have a heavenly Father who loves and cherishes every one of us.
Just recently I was reminded that God was looking out for me when I stumbled…a friend of mind told me God really “had my back.” They were small instances but I’m a firm believer that sometimes it’s the little things that are most important of all. First, I have been overwhelmed (again) with work and life and all I have on my plate…so I “double-booked” my calendar, making more than one commitment on the same night. They were both important commitments to friends that I hold dear, one was a speaking commitment at my 12-step home group and another was a social commitment to go see a close friend who had a starring role in a local play. I had scheduled both a long time ago and forgot about the first. I gave a friend of mine a call to chat and she reminded me of the speaking commitment – and then told me she “had my back” and would speak for me that night so I could go to the play. Second, when I went to call my friend with whom I was attending the play, she told me her boyfriend was going. So now I was stuck being a third wheel…until another friend told me she would also like to go and I could ride with her. I was a little miffed at the friend who was going with her boyfriend for not asking if I’d mind…but I quickly let it go because I knew all was well.
In relaying these episodes, the friend who rode with me that night (who is also my 12-step program sponsor) said, “gee, God must have your back!” And back to back with these instances, another reminder occurred again the following day…I was grumbling a bit about waking up early and driving two hours to give a presentation to a writers’ group because I thought I’d be seeing the same people and wouldn’t sell many books since I’d sold a few the last time to this group. But after my workshop (only a handful of the same people attended) the people lined up to buy my books – and I sold out! God looking out for me again I guess.
It helps me to write this because I remember to be grateful for the little things – in addition to the big things – my health, my husband, my home, my friends, my family, my work helping others, my calling as an author and speaker, and more. I hope it helps you too by reminding you that God really is your loving Father…He really is in your corner even when you can’t see Him…he will hold your hand, guide you, pick you up when you stumble…and He loves you unconditionally. His Word even says, “Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth; break into joyful song, O mountains! For the LORD has comforted His people, and He will have compassion on His afflicted ones…Can a woman forget her nursing child, or lack compassion for the son of her womb? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands.” (Isaiah 49:13-15)
I pray you have renewed faith and hope that every day God’s got your back!