Thoughts on Proverbs 4
I have been thinking about this for a while.
Proverbs 4 means a lot different to me rereading it now as a father.
Now that my son is 5, he’s able to understand slightly more complex concepts. Recently, he has discovered the question “Why?” and would ask it incessantly.
It’s a great time for me as a dad because, finally, we are able to have good “father and son talks”. In all our recent interactions, these “teachable moments” are really the ones I enjoy most and hold dear.
It’s not that these moments are all happy and fun, no, most of the time we are “wrestling” with one another – wrestling with our emotions, words, and actions. But I love the little guy, stubborn as he may be at the beginning, we always end on a good note. And, I think and I hope, we become better people after.
If only I could guide him everyday, every moment. And if only he would trust me and obey me, even if it’s not what he wants. I only have a few years, I better make it count.
But the greatest lesson, is this:
“If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!””
Luke 11:13 ESV
Recently I feel that how I see my son now, could also be the same way my Heavenly Father probably sees me. My son is an awesome kid, but at times he’s stubborn, at times he’s illogical. He has his good days and bad days, shining moments and not so good moments. He has his struggles and worries that he sometimes tries to fix by himself – big things for him, but very simple things for me. And sometimes, he forgets who I am and what I can do.
But no matter what he does, I love him – yes, wholeheartedly and unconditionally. I will teach him as much as I can, and I will reprove him for his sake.
And what joy is it for me when he obeys! Because I know that it will go well with him if he develops good character as he grows up. And what joy is it for me when he trusts me, when he opens up to me, and when he asks me for help. It’s a joy to have him run to me, whatever the circumstance.
I wonder, these thoughts and feelings I have for my son.. could it be, God’s thoughts and feelings to me as well?