Lesson 116: The Unworthy Father

Kentucky Chaplain David Chaltas

I have been reflecting upon life and thinking of what constitutes as the greatest honor ever bestowed upon me: After contemplation my mind always wondered back to one event and I realized the answer was simple: the role of being a father. Though I have failed on many occasions to be the man that I should have been, my undying love for those children that now are grown and living their own lives is impossible to measure. I cannot think of one thing that I would not do for them. Yet at times, I find my pride and my ‘limited time’ interfering with picking up the phone and simply calling to say how much I love them. I can purr a cat I can pet a dog. I can offer my respects to others but the two that mean the world to me, I find lacking in time to spend with them. Sometimes our priorities get so confused that we forget what really matters.

I remember walking to the waterfall with my lovely little girl and explaining to her all the wonders of nature and how big the world is. The sun was beginning to appear over the point and I made the comment that the sun would soon rise and appear between the 2 pine trees overlooking the cliff line. She looked at me with wide-eyed wonder and said, "Daddy, you can make the sunrise too?" My heart melted and I turned away so she would not see my shame fall in the form of tears. For I had never realized that she saw within me such power or such love. I feel I failed to live up to those expectations so many times. But then I am reminded that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Then I remember that God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him, shall be saved. I then reflect upon His sacrifice. I cannot fathom the idea of offering up my children to save others. My love is not that deep. Oh I would gladly give my life for their happiness but I could not give them up on an altar. I think of Abraham's love for God and I shudder. He was willing to offer the supreme sacrifice to show God his love for Him. I am so thankful that God loved me enough to send his only begotten Son. Could I have done the same for Him? I am so thankful that he gave me the gift of future generations in the form of my children I praise Him for affording them health and peace. I worship Him, though unworthy to do so and am humbled by His love.

I am thankful that He is in the forgiving business and not the justice business. I have found mercy and grace through His love and can rest knowing that my children have also found the peace that passeth all understanding. And with that peace and joy, comes the forgiveness of a father unworthy to be called by that hallowed name. My thought at this moment is of gratitude and contentment but always with a remembrance of the gift bestowed unto us. Jesus Christ, the great equalizer, has washed us all of our imperfections and we are new creatures in Him. Our soldiers of yesteryear found Him, as our soldiers of today are finding Him. May you find Him, bringing your imperfections to Him and watch as He removes the old garment and replaces it with one as white as God's love. Your humbled servant, The Old General