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Reflections On Father’s Day 2018

Before June gets away from me, I simply must record here some thoughts on witnessing miracles. Miracles, by my assumed definition, are events that are unexplainable aside from Divine power. They are events or happenings not common or naturally expected.

For Father’s Day this year, our church celebrated by organizing an all men’s choir and choral group, leading congregational singing and singing during the offertory. So many men participated in fact, they had to put out a mid-week request for women to collect the offering. Astounding!

I’ll say right from the outset, it was beyond beautiful. Being a reflective storyteller, I can’t help but burst with perceptions while encountering such an experience. Perhaps I’m over thinking it, but I believe we witnessed a miracle.

Collected there on stage represented every type of man you can imagine. Young, old, formal, casual. A group of men, who chose to practice together and then joyfully lead our church in collective praise to God. Apparently, all had big hearts for Jesus, and all exuded joy. Not common in THIS world!

Perhaps it’s the mother in me, but the funniest thing was “seeing” their boyhood come through their smiles and modest bobs and sways. Endearing and hilarious all at once! I was laughing with praise in my spirit, in awe of these men God had created. All unique, and yet collectively praising and glorifying Him. So very rare, don’t you agree?

While considering this, I recalled experiencing a similar moment of awe, several years back. There I found myself standing in our church, singing along with the congregation during the praise and worship, next to Stache’s father, -my (FIL) Father-in-Love.

Our family and friends were there singing, with hearts engaged, spirit’s full, feet tapping and Mom’s precious hands raising up randomly throughout each song, all in praise to God. I suddenly became aware of Dad’s voice next to me. It was bold and wholehearted, passionate and strikingly rich with age. Beautiful!

I have known his life to be one of long-lived integrity and thoughtful Christian service. But a wave of awareness washed over me. There stood a faithful man of God, a man that loves God and worships Him with his whole heart. Such a rare gem. A miracle-working of God’s hands. And a man we have the privilege to call, Papa.

It’s not uncommon to take God’s work for granted. Particularly for those blessed to see it often. Remember the Israelites? Notorious for receiving from God, and yet forgetting His work once it was given. But I have to account for this. Am I any different? Do I remember? Do I even recognize His work when I benefit from it?

Stubborn, frail and sometimes just blind, who can know God or remain faithful to God, without His help? Philippians 2:13 affirms this is God’s work stating, “for it  is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”

How does faithfulness and joy in Christ become commonplace? Perhaps its a severe lack of honest self-knowledge. Perhaps creation, the fall and the provision of the cross are not understood for what they are.

Which brings me back to Father’s Day. Several of my friends commented to me afterward, how much they LOVE to hear men sing. Men have such rich voices, I agree! Still, I can’t help but wonder if our enjoyment was more about our spirits recognizing the miracle before us. A working of the Spirit, giving these men a desire to praise Him. Who can say, this side of Heaven?

If you’ve seen a precious loved one walk away from God, a husband, a father, or perhaps have done it yourself for a time, you know the amazing wonder that it is for any to remain faithful. Genuine faithfulness in a Christian breaths joy indescribable to other Christians. Like fresh air and sunshine, we somehow know it’s the way things ought to be. Only God can do that.

Speaking of miracles, have you recognized any this week? I’d love to hear and chat about the things God is doing in your life.

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