The Measure of a Man
“Safe? Who said anything about safe?
‘Course He isn’t safe. But He’s good.”
-C.S. Lewis
Religion and rules have never been a big part of my dad’s daily life. He’s a 
good man, but not much of a church-going kind of guy. He never cusses. He seldom says anything bad about anyone, even if they deserve it. And, though people have tried to judge him, he doesn’t reciprocate.
While I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and learned a little about my chosen profession, my dad took his high school diploma and leaned how to do just about everything.
He set the bar really high, and each time I would struggle to get to the top, he would just raise it higher. 
It was crazy frustrating and I spent a lot of wasted time trying to figure out why a father would want, need and demand that I always do my best.
What I didn’t realize then is that it was good training. This man, who would rather mow his yard than hear more preaching from the pulpit, was an earthly example of a God who is good.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23:24
Now, don’t get me wrong, girls. It wasn’t always Daddy/Daughter Day. There were times when he toppled right off of that pedestal I had placed him on; and there was some serious silence between us during my most rebellious years. He is a believer in free will and firm discipline, and, the more time I spend with my dad, the more I understand my God. There’s nothing easy about being your best. It’s hard work. But God knows that, and must have told my dad. The apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians 3:14
“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
In this fallen world, Father’s Day isn’t always the happiest time if you have an absent dad, an abusive dad or a dad you’ve never known. We all know making a baby doesn’t make you a dad…but, the God who made you is your Father. It is never too late to depend on Him, count on Him, and call on Him.
Is God safe? No, not really. He will push you, prune you, discipline and refine you. He will test your faith and rock your world. Still, He is always good!
Just the other night, I was sitting on the front porch swing, 
distraught over the two mares God has given us. It seems when I most want to spend time with them, they’re rebellious, withdrawn or simply turn and walk away. The thought immediately went through my mind that sometimes I act the same way…moody, rebellious, and withdrawn. When I told my dad about it he laughed and said, “It sounds like God is speaking to you.” No sweeter words has he ever spoken. Whether he knows it or not, without rules and religion, he has taught me how to listen. In my mind, that is the measure of a man!
Keziahcarrie has a growing list of subscribers; and we all have one thing in common. We are women on a journey. Tell us about your dad. Good, bad and ugly. Sharing our stories gives us strength.
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Proverbs 27:17
May you have a Happy Father’s Day with your Heavenly Father!
🙂
KeziahCarrie 