Our family has just gone through an extended period of gift-giving. Over the past three weeks, we have celebrated four birthdays and Christmas. All that baking and wrapping has worn my fingers out. We feasted and gave lots of splendid gifts to each other with smiles, exclamations and lit-up faces.

What is the greatest gift you have ever received?

As parents, and now grandparents, we have always put much thought into the gifts we buy. Being the mother of three boys, I often relied heavily upon my husband’s input. As a man and a dad, he better understood what our sons would enjoy as a gift.

What is the best gift you have ever received from your father?

Recently, I was thinking of my Dad and recalled a time he visited us years ago.

Raised by two step-fathers, I didn’t find out who my biological father was until I turned eighteen. It thrilled me when I discovered that he was someone I had always loved and respected. However, I always felt a sense of estrangement between us because he had not raised me. I was unsure if he really loved me, or if he had ever wanted me, even though he professed he had.

Then, this visit, sitting in our gazebo talking, he stood up and came over to me. Cupping my face in his hands, he stared into my eyes and said, “I love you!” Then walked into the house. For the first time, I actually believed he did. Relief and joy filled my heart, knowing that my Dad loved me and had always wanted me. This was the greatest gift he had ever given me, and he didn’t even realize it.

Do you feel unloved or unwanted by your father? Or maybe you don’t know your father or have a relationship with him? Are you desperately seeking love in all the wrong places and relationships and never feeling it? Deep down do you believe you are unwanted, unlovable and worthless?

It’s a lie!

In Psalm 27 (HCSB), David says, “Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord cares for me.”

In Ephesians 1:4-5, Paul states, “For he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in his sight. He predestined us to be adopted through Jesus Christ for himself,”

You are not abandoned. You are not unwanted. You are not worthless.

Christ was born, lived and died so your heavenly Father could have a deep, eternal relationship with you. In Christ, God the Father cups your face in His hands and says, “I love you!”

Oh dearly beloved, take hold of that gift and embrace the truth of it into your very core!

You are deeply, deeply loved!

My prayer is that you would begin this year believing and walking in that love.

Begin each morning telling yourself that your Abba (Daddy) loves you more than you can imagine or comprehend. Post a sticky note on your mirror, bedside lamp, phone, fridge, coffee pot or somewhere to remind yourself. Then step out into your day knowing you are never alone for any minute of it.

Cheering you on!

Be well!

Patricia