The effect of fathers on all of us

“Just as an earthly father knows what is best for his children’s

welfare, so does God take into consideration the particular needs of

his human family, and meets them out of his wonderful storehouse.”

-- J.K. MACLEAN

I know many amazing fathers, including my own. I’ve written about

him before, and I’ll write about him in the future. He never ceases

to amaze me with his unconditional love, prayer power, generosity,

strength and wisdom in every way. His faith is deep and clearly a

part of his everyday life, as is his great sense of humor and never

ending personality. It’s always a treat to be with him.

Another awesome father is my husband, Jon. Jon continues to be an

incredible father to our daughters Kelly and Amy. He talked to each

of them regularly as they grew in my bulging belly. He smiled and

cried tears of joy when each was born. Jon was involved in Sunday

school, school, sports and countless other activities with our girls.

We were especially comforted to hear from our girls whenever they

traveled. During their college years there were many times when Kelly

or Amy called home to catch us both at the same time. There were also

many times when either one phoned and asked specifically for Jon.

Once Kelly called and said, “Mom, please have dad call as soon as

he can, I want to talk to him about a paper I’m writing. He’ll know

just how to help me think it through.”

Jon later called and took as long as Kelly needed to discuss the

paper in progress. Amy did the same thing, and it didn’t hurt my

feelings because there are times and topics that need their dad’s

perspective.

Communicating with them is certainly easier now with cell phones

and e-mails, but there were times when they went to faraway places

where they couldn’t communicate with us at all.

When Kelly was a college freshman, she took a spring break trip

with her church to assist a small church in the Ecuadorean Andes. We

went 10 days without hearing from her, which was just about our

limit. On the same day Kelly was scheduled to return to San

Francisco, Jon was on a business trip to the Midwest. He re-routed

his return flight so he could greet Kelly when she landed in San

Francisco. Unfortunately, clever plans often go awry.

After an hour of searching the airport, Jon called me and learned

that Kelly’s flight was stuck in Panama. He’d been so excited about

seeing her and knew what it would have done for her to get his hugs

and kisses.

Jon has gone to great lengths to show his love to our daughters.

God has gone to the ultimate length to prove his love for all of us.

. Whether you had a good relationship with your father, you can

always have a wonderful relationship with your Heavenly Father.

God knows your past, present and future and he knows your needs.

He offers forgiveness, unconditional love, hope, second chances and

much, much more. He has other gifts for you in his storehouse that

are yours for the asking. It is, however, up to you to ask.

And you can quote me on that.

* CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON is a Newport Beach resident who speaks

frequently to parenting groups. She may be reached via e-mail at

cindy@onthegrow.com or through the mail at P.O. Box 6140-No. 505,

Newport Beach, CA 92658.