Lately, when I come home from work, my two-year-old son welcomes me by opening the door and asking, "Play ball Daddy?" Though I am usually tired and ready to rest, I spend the next twenty minutes kicking a Nerf ball around or hoisting my son to the basketball net for a slam-dunk. When he makes requests or wants to tell me something, I often have to bend my knee and listen keenly to interpret his budding English. When he trips and bangs his head, I wrap him in my arms. When I give him a Popsicle he says, "Thank you Dad." My heart seeps with love for my son.

Yet, my love is a mere twinkling reflection of my God and Father's love. In his letters to the Romans and Galatians, the apostle Paul explains that people who receive the Spirit of Jesus in their hearts will cry out to God "Abba! Father!" 'Abba' is an intimate and tender Aramaic term. It was used by first-century Jewish children and adults for their fathers. It is kind of like the English terms 'Dad' or 'Daddy' we use today. God is powerful, for he created the cosmos, and yet he is lovingly tender, for he listens to your every word as you call him Abba and Father. He has the power to hoist you up, he will bend his knee to listen, and hold you in tender arms when pain and hurt visit you. To those who received more pain than love from their earthly fathers, he is the good Father you need and want. Speak to the Father and lay before him all your cares, worries, praises and thanks. He is listening.
                                             Written by Ben Vandergugten