Pass-along Gift
Theme of the Week: Let Them Feel Your Affection
Sunday, July 29, 2007
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Who Said It…Joey O'Connor
Joey O'Connor has been involved in youth and family ministry for over 15 years. He's a certified Grief Recovery Specialist who loves to laugh. Joey directs the Orange County (California) Grief Recovery Outreach Program. He works with people dealing with emotional losses suffered through death, divorce, and job loss. Joey also directs the Grove Center of the Arts, nurturing Christian artists creatively and spiritually. What He Said…Pass-along Gift
As a dad, I can't describe in words how much I love my kids, but my love for them pales in comparison to how much God loves all of his children.
My daughter Ellie has a bedtime ritual. She neatly arranges four or five of her favorite stuffed animals close to her. Then she draws her down comforter tightly around her neck so that only her face is peeking out. We say our prayers, and then she asks for her daily hug (which is not the only hug of the day, but the last one). Sometimes I'll softly brush my fingers across her forehead and softly whisper to her, "Who are you to me?"
Ellie knows the answer. "I'm your beloved."
"That's right, sweetheart … you're my beloved."
My heart's desire is that my children will grow up knowing they're beloved of God because they've experienced my wholehearted love, affection, and acceptance. I don't always get it right as a dad, but by allowing my heart to be beloved of God, I have a great and wonderful gift to give away.
Adapted from The Longing (Revell, 2004) by permission.
Copyright © 2007 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity. 1 of 1
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Help me, Lord, to empower my children by investing in their physical, emotional, and spiritual maturity.
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