Finding good...

There is a certain someone. One who I know loves me in his own way. One who, despite shortcomings, mistakes, broken promises and failures, has succeeded in knocking down some of the wall that I have built over the last decade.

I have long wished for a different family dynamic. There were things for which I hoped and that I never got. I felt jilted in some way because I did not receive love they way they packaged it. I was looking for gaudy ribbons, shiny paper and novelty tags. But their gifts came in unexpected wrapping. And many times I missed them.

Not so this time. The difference, I think, was that I asked. I needed help. I called. They came. They stayed with me, stood up for me, made sure that the problem was satisfactorily solved. In the process some things occurred which only served to escalate the situation. I was in tears, they were irate, and not a lot was accomplished. But I knew in that moment that those people would do anything in the world for me. They did what I couldn't do. They stood up to people I didn't know how to defend myself against. They let these people know that we were not going away until the problem was solved. They were the epitome of what I always thought parents should be. Defenders, protectors, warriors in the battle of the World versus their Children. And though I was in tears, drained of strength and hope for that moment, I knew that they were my strength and hope. They knew how to get the job done. And they did.

What a perfect (though quite imperfect) example of what God is for us. He has done what we couldn't do. He has conquered sin and death through Jesus Christ in order that we may have abundant life forever. He is our defense, our strength, our protection, our hope.

I have a new understanding the term 'father.' A new understanding of what that term means in regards to my earthly father and my Heavenly Father. I am seeing Him in a brighter light. One that has revealed more of who He is and what He is all about. And I am seeing my dad differently. I have, for so long, focused on the things I felt that I had missed, instead of seeing the many things that I had already been given...
And all it took was a towed car, some very cold weather, some not-nice towing company people, and my dad!!!!!

For me, he will cancel his plans...

That is what he said. He has a weekly meeting that he will skip this week, because I asked him to go see a high school play with me. And we will be eating dinner beforehand.

First date? You be the judge...