Good Father

On most mornings, a piece of fruit completes the children’s breakfast and clementines are a favorite in our household. Beginning to peel five, I noticed that one I was holding was much softer than the others. Turning it over revealed the whitish green evidence of decay and rot. For a split second I thought I’d play a prank, but the dad (and husband) in me thought better. To their dismay, I showed the kids this real-life example of natural decomposition before throwing it into the trash can.

As I peeled the remaining clementines, I was reminded of the goodness of our Father. If I, an earthly father desire to give his children the good gifts they seek, healthy fresh fruit in this case, how much more does our Father in heaven desire to give good gifts to those of His children who ask (Matt 7:7-12). As my sons and daughters trust me not give them spoiled fruit, we too can trust God to give us that which is in our best interest, even that which we most intensely desire. Moreover, as our intimacy with Him grows our desires align with His best for us. He promises that as we ask, we will find, as we seek, we will find and as we knock the door will be opened.

This is not a promise that we will receive any and everything we ask for. My children know not to ask for ice cream for breakfast nor do they even desire it because of the culture of our home. Their cravings for nutrition have aligned (at least in this case) with my desire for them, prompting them to ask according to my will for their wellness and overall health. It is a promise though, that God is delighted to bestow upon his children that which is for our ultimate eternal benefit. It is also one that encourages us to persistently and faithfully ask, seek and knock. His fruit is never rotten, His motives always pure.

I grabbed another clementine, peeled it and placed it on my youngest child's plate. Received with the cutest smile it didn’t last long. Another breakfast was complete.