I am a parent of two beautiful children, Dallas and Jarah. They are 14 and 11 years old, respectively. They are very different, but have one thing in common. They want to know daily they are “good enough” for their dad. They want to know I accept them for who they are, flaws and all. They want to know I love them no matter what they do. They want to feel they have my approval. If they think they fall short of my standard of acceptance, then they take it pretty hard.
They want to know the answer to the question, “Am I good enough, Dad?” is always “Yes.” If they are secure in this fact, then they’re good. They’re happy.
I did not always realize this, but I’m a slow learner. Better late than never, I guess. I’m grateful I see it now.
Isn’t this what we all really want to know?
Feelings of shame, rejection, guilt, humiliation hold us back. They are our personal prisons. They prevent us from living life to its fullest. They force us to construct barriers to experiencing joy. They compel us to seek relief from vices, rather than from a loving father.
My kids know they are good enough for me. I accept them for who they are. If they do something bad, it does not make them bad kids. It just makes them good kids who did something bad. Good things can result from bad things, if they chose to learn from their mistakes. In fact, they know some of the best things in life can sprout from those experiences, and I use my own life stories and lessons to help teach them.
It’s never to late for anyone, including you, to learn the answer to the question, “Am I good enough, Dad?” is always “Yes”. You are good enough for your Heavenly Father.
Don’t let our broken world hold you back any further. It wants you to stay in your prison. I’ve dug a tunnel out of mine and can help you dig out too. I can show you the way and have my shovel ready. With your permission, I’ll start digging with you.
Happy Easter.
MindWolves 