A Cure For If Only

Hey Friend,

My dad would have turned 90 this past week.  There are still so many times that I wish I could ask his opinion on certain subjects.  My dad was a man of few words, but when he did speak, he either had something important, or something funny to say.  I dedicate this post, which is featured in "A Moment to Breathe" book of daily devotions, to my dad......

A Cure For If Only

But Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid.  Am I in the place of God? You planned evil against me; God planned it for good to bring about the present result - the survival of many people."  (Genesis 50:19-20)

I have so many bookshelves in my home that are overflowing. I have even more books - boxes of them - in the attic.  In an attempt to pare down and simplify, I started going through the boxes to see which books I should give away.

Meanwhile, some conversation - and some arguments - had been taking place with one of my adult children.  All of this had me wondering:  If only I had done something different, perhaps things would be different now.  I was plagued with "if only this..." or "if only that..."

As I sorted old books in the attic, a sheet of paper fell out of one of them.  Tears welled up in my eyes as I looked at my father's words written in block print - typical of an engineer.  My dad had passed away five years earlier, and there had been many instances when I wished I could ask him what he'd do in a given situation.  And here in front of me was the answer to my mulling.  My father's handwriting revealed some sermon notes from years before.  The title of the sermon was "A Cure For If Only."

With his words on the paper, held tenderly in my hand, my father reminded me that, indeed God is at work fulfilling His plan through the failure and regret.  

Just as Joseph's hardships eventually brought him to a place where he could serve an entire nation, God has a plan and He's in control.  No matter how badly I screw up, no matter how many mistakes I make, no matter how many "if only's" I have, God can redeem them.

Our mistakes can never thwart the sovereign will of God.  And in this we find great hope and deep peace.

A Moment to Breathe...

Whatever "if only" you find yourself pondering today, give it to God.  Give it all to Him - every last worry and fear.  Then thank Him that he is, indeed, working every circumstance in your life to come together for good.

(End)

I have found that our parents don't always speak to us in our love language.  My love language is "words of affirmation."  My dad was not a warm and fuzzy guy given to expressing his love in words...that just wasn't his style.  

Since his passing, I have really learned how to appreciate the ways he spoke to me in his love language which was "doing things for".  He put a roof over my head.  He was steady and reliable.  He fixed my broken bike, roller skates, toys, and beloved turntable.  I could rely on him to show up at appointed times and he provided a sense of security.  I know I took a lot of this for granted.

I encourage those of you with parents still living to not look for them to always speak to you in YOUR love language.  Listen as they speak to you in THEIR'S.  If you really look and listen you just might learn a "new" language.

Pick up the phone; pay them a visit; write them a note; you'll be glad you did.

Psalm 139: My Days Are Numbered ... How many days do I have left? I don’t know. No one does, except God. He knows the exact number of years, days, ...

If you have been the victim of abuse or neglect, know that your Heavenly Father does not want you to stay in toxic relationships, but He wants you to hear His heart of love for you.  God's love language is always that  of lovingkindness.

Love and miss you dad.....

Be blessed....