The Father

“Does Jesus care when my heart is pained
Too deeply for mirth and song?
When the burdens press
And the cares distress
And the way grows weary and long?”

“Does Jesus care when my way is dark
With a nameless dread and fear?
And as the daylight fades,
Into deep dark shades
Does He care enough to be near?”

This has been quite the evening. Both of the boys are sick, and they get a certain way when they get sick. They get rowdier.

They were both getting on the couch and standing up, rolling around, and jumping off — all while snotting and sneezing. Then they would fight and bicker with each other. We don’t want them behaving like monkeys on a trapeze, or putting on boxing gloves, so we told them countless times to stop and applied discipline as necessary. But most of the time, I felt like I was talking to caffeinated hummingbirds.

They didn’t want to listen tonight for whatever reason.

We got them ready and got them in bed. Then we heard crying. This isn’t abnormal. Son #1 usually wants momma to come back at some point and rock him or say goodnight for the fortieth time.

Tonight, he cried out for me.

“Daddy, I need you! Please come here!”

This isn’t the usual request. I felt special! I got up and went to him immediately. I knelt beside his bed, and he asked me to hold him.

I held him. He’s snotting and sneezing. I was trying to love on him and comfort him.

Then he said, “Daddy, I’m sorry for not listening to you tonight! And he’s sorry, too!” He was speaking for Son #2.

From my eyes commenced the rain.

“Thank you. I forgive you, son.”

“I’ll try to listen to you.”

I continued holding him while crying. Then I heard him say something else.

“What did you say?”

“You’re good to be such a great father!” Sometimes, I’m astounded by the words he puts together.

More rain.

“Thank you, son. I love you so much.” The tears flowed.

“I love you, daddy.”

Then I started thinking of my heavenly Father.

Wouldn’t He respond to me as I responded to my son? Yes.
Wouldn’t He care about my cries as I cared about my sons? Yes. And way more.
When life is tough, and I’m feeling rough, wouldn’t He supply the arms of rest and a comforting caress? Yes. And more than I am ever capable of providing.

“Oh yes, He cares. I know He cares.
His heart is touched by my grief
When the days are dreary
And the long nights weary
I know my Savior cares.”

to those who need to know He cares,
– Caleb