One time when I was about 10 years old I was spending the night at a friend’s house. It was just around the corner from our house, maybe a mile and a half, but even closer through the field on the path we always used. Yet even being that close to home once it got quiet and all the lights were out for bedtime, I got homesick. I cried so bad that apparently my friend’s mom called my parents because before I knew it I was on that path through the field with my daddy headed for home.

It was a scary dark night with no moon to light the way and I could barely see him in front of me. I was running to keep up because daddy was walking very briskly – more than usual. I knew he must be so angry with me. I said I was sorry. He never spoke a word, he just kept up his brisk pace and walked on. I was afraid in the darkness, and it seemed like he would not even know if I was behind him or not so I scurried up as close as I could to his heels – there wasn’t room on the path for two side by side. He walked, I scurried, we never spoke another word. After he delivered me inside the front door he disappeared into his bedroom and I stumbled in the dark upstairs to mine. Too afraid to make a noise, I silently whimpered in regret knowing I had disappointed some and angered others. I was glad to be in my own bed though, my dad had rescued me.

For days I walked around in expectancy of some talking to, or disciplinary action, or warning for future incidents. Nothing. The incident was never mentioned or discussed in any way – it was like it never happened – poof it was gone! I did feel it for some time though – the disappointment in myself. And it was a very long time before I would even think of spending the night away from home again, much less dare to ask. I just knew if I ask that the flood gates would open and all those unspoken words of disappointment, warning and retribution would come flowing out of my father’s mouth. They never did. At some point I did ask again, and I did go – but never a word was spoken – it was literally gone – poof – forgotten!

That’s a fathers’ love! Just like our Fathers’ love!