Father

At a time and place where there were clotheslines in the backyards, many were stretched from T-post to T-post. Four or five lines of thin wire, strong enough to hold flapping sheets in the wind. Fitted sheets were things for the future, so there could be enough flat walls to make several rooms for children to play between.

Even when empty, the clotheslines beckoned with promise of gymnastics. A strong Tommy or even a Tomboy could clamber to the top and the structure could change into anything! Tarzan’s tree limb; Robin and Tuck’s log; a drawbridge at the castle. All it took was a bit of imagination and a knack for getting into trouble.

Once, a slip brought the Tomboy tumbling off that lofty perch and she ended up with a wire under each arm. These were thin wires. They hurt. The fall hurt. The child was scared, too.

“Daddydaddydaddydaddydaddy…” was all he heard and seconds later was at her side in rescue mode.

Some grew up without such a father figure to rescue them. Perhaps some never thought they needed rescuing. From some fathers, a child needed to be rescued. Our views of fathers vary from person to person, indelibly imprinted on our minds, impacting our interpretation of:

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. (Matthew 6:9 KJV)

Paul recognized God as Father, addressing several of his church letters: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 1:3 KJV)

Jesus tells us that our Father has good gifts for us: If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? (Matthew 7:11 KJV)

Jesus prayed to His Father, knowing what needed to be done, praying that it would not happen, yet trusting that God’s will was right: And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. (Matthew 26:39 KJV)

He prayed in pain and suffering for those who inflicted it: Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. (Luke 23:34 KJV)

So, I shall follow Paul’s advice in Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: (Colossians 1:12 KJV)

Why?

Because I love my father and my Father and wish to Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16 KJV)