In the middle of the night

As I sit here and eat a bowl of cereal in the middle of the night, I am astounded or amazed by s number of things.

 I am almost overwhelmed by the goodness of God.  Not that my circumstances are that great.  I am up in the middle of th night; partly because I don't feel great, partly because my little Emma has a fever and cough, and partly because my wife is somewhere over seas.  I am in awe of the intricate details that God works out for my good, even though I am scarcely aware of it.  We have not been able to stay in our house the last several days because we lost power to our home.  Our daughter Noel has been gracious to take us in (even though this is no simple undertaking considering there are 9 of us!). But I see that God is working out His will putting us where He wants us at the right time for His purposes.  

God has been so gracious lately to continue to teach me about His Father heart.  I have been a parent for 26 years.  It is hard to believe!  You would think that I would know it all but sadly that is not true.  I have been blessed to sit under a lot of amazing teaching about parenting, I would not trade any of that.  However, none of that teaching gave me insight into God's heart as a Father.  His compassion, His attention to detail, His willingness to go to whatever lengths is necessary to take care of me.  This depth of insight only comes by the revelation of the Holy Spirit as I seek to know His will.  As I meditate on God and His love for me.  As I see through eyes of gratefulness how He is orchestrating every little detail around me for my maximum good.  Unfortunately as a father I cannot do that.  What I can do is strive to put the needs of my children above my own in the light of God's revelation. I am not talking about child-centered parenting, I am talking about God-centered parenting.  Seeking God first in all I do, especially as I parent.  Again, I do not speak from perfection.  I am learning how to flesh this out right now.  Struggle by struggle, prayer by prayer, moment by moment.  

In the end, God is good.  I cannot comprehend how great He is.  I am however so glad He opens my mind to see small glimpses of His greatness.  

I praise you Father for loving me!  You are worthy of all my praise!