I believe in God the Father...

I trust you've taken the time already to recite the Apostles Creed.
Preferably out loud.
Maybe even with your spouse and kids at breakfast?

What do you make of the first line?
"I believe in God the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth."

The Creed starts with the affirmation that God is, which is no small affirmation.
It's the starting place of believe.
To observe your surroundings and conclude there is a Creator.
To look inside yourself and believe God made you.
To get past yourself, and this planet, and venture faith in heaven.

But let me hang on that one other descriptor- "Father."
Lately I've been participating in a parenting class with some folks from our church.
I've also been learning more about the fostering/adopting process.

If there is anything one must conclude from the information that is available, even outside the church, it's that there is a deep longing for a loving father, and a tragic gap to found in the experience of many people.

Wonderfully, our God steps into the margin.

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!

~ 1 John 3:1

Have you known the selfless love of your earthly father?
If so, count yourself blessed.

Have you opened your life to the love of your heavenly Father?
Today, allow him to lavish His love on you. Allow it to wash over you, cleanse you, feed you and fill you.

For we are His children.