This is Tim’s Father’s Day gift. When Cole and I brought it home, he took this photo and we sent it to Tim. It brought joy to him. He got a laugh out of seeing his bride in the turtle shell. (No, it’s not a real shell…that’s illegal.)
We all make mistakes. When we do, those choices we make not only affect us but others around us. Our choices can and will result in an emotional state of mind. Those emotions may range from feelings of sadness to feelings of joy, or so much more.
Choose JOY!
Father’s Day is approaching. In Proverbs 23:24 we read, “The father of godly children has cause for joy. What a pleasure to have children who are wise.” It doesn’t matter the age or stage you are in, I believe we’d all appreciate the result of our choices bringing joy to ourselves and those around us, especially the parent…and particularly The Ultimate Parent…our Heavenly Father.
I reflect on the choices I made as a teen and young adult…some good, and some “WHAT WAS I THINKING???” Now, as a parent of three between the ages of fifteen and twenty-one, I am more empathetic towards my parents, and am apologetic for those foolish choices I made. (Sorry, mom and dad! If you only knew…or not.) All I can say now is…thank God there wasn’t GPS, cell phone, computers, and all the tracking devices and social media that we have (to deal with) now. Whew and whoa!
Even now, at this age and stage in my life, I still want to bring joy to my parents through the choices I make. I’m certain they look and me now and think, “we did pretty good”, and still there are moments when they shake their head and say to themselves, “just wait until you’re our age”. When we’re younger we think we know it all…well, that undeniably has changed. Wiser? Yes! Know it all? I’m a work in progress.
So how are we supposed to bring joy to our parent? Do as Proverbs 23:23 says, “Get the truth and never sell it; also get wisdom, discipline, and good judgment.”
How in the world do you obtain those characteristics? Seek God. Read His word. Believe His written breath. Obey. Desire to please Him. Pray. Ask Christ to be the Lord of your life. The more you read pray, study, and apply His truths to your life…you are bringing immense joy to your life, and to those around you.
As you celebrate Father’s Day, whether your earthly father is present or passed, whether you are a father yourself or not or in-waiting, celebrate your Heavenly Father and bring a smile to His face through your words and actions.
I pray that you have accepted your right to call God “Daddy”. He is The Ultimate Parent. That right there brings joy to my heart, simply knowing that He is mine and I am His.
Get the truth and never sell it; also get wisdom, discipline, and good judgment. The father of godly children has cause for joy. What a pleasure to have children who are wise. Proverbs 23:23-24
Have a beautiful and joyful day soaking up The Son wherever you are. Blessings and much love to you and yours, Stephanie.