.....unchanging

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 1 John 3:1

It’s not easy being a father. One cynic, speaking from his own experience, noted that children go through four fascinating stages. First, they call you DaDa. Then they call you Daddy. As they mature, they call you Dad. Finally, they call you collect.

Parenting comes with a number of challenges — especially as children grow and their needs evolve. At first, children adore their father’s presence, then they seek independence, and eventually, they return when they need help.

That’s similar to our relationship with our Heavenly Father. When we first come to God in faith, we cling to him, fully dependent. As we mature, we sometimes distance ourselves, wanting to do things our own way. But when life gets tough, we realize just how much we need God, and we cry out for his help.

The beautiful truth is that, while we may change, God never does. He doesn’t reject us when we grow distant, and he doesn’t turn away from us when we return with desperate prayers. His love is constant, patient, and always available — no matter what stage of life we may be in.

Take a moment today to thank God for being the perfect Father who always answers when we call — collect or otherwise!

- alan smith

Heavenly Father, thank you for always being there for me, even when I drift away. Help me to stay close to you, not only in times of need but in every season of my life. I am grateful for your unfailing love. In Jesus’ name, amen.