If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commands and remain in his love. (John 15:10)
I went to my niece’s 1-year old birthday party over the weekend in which my sister put together a beautiful collection of pictures set to music. At the end of the presentation, she included a tribute to the members of the family that we had lost over the years – the most prominent of which being my Dad. Not too many days go by where I don’t think of him, and all the good times we shared.
I also think back to some of the amazing events that transpired at the end of his life; one of which occurred on the morning of his viewing, just as I was sinking into perhaps the saddest moment of my life. I remember wondering how I would find the strength to make it through the next couple days, as I happened to turn on the radio. Remarkably within seconds, a song named “Father’s Love” by Bob Carlisle came on that I had never heard before. As each verse went by I couldn’t believe it as it spoke to all of my emotions word by word – “Yes, I thought you were the smartest man alive. Yes, I hoped I would be tall and strong and brave like you. Yes, a father’s love is so strong and so sacred. Yes I’m feeling lost.” And then came the words that basically summed up everything I needed to hear to help get me through that time:
I know the world is always changing.
But, remember son, that some things never change.
And even when my life on earth is through.
There will still be a part of me in you.
'Cause some things are forever.
Nothing's ever gonna take my love from you.
The Lord has given me a lot of wonderful gifts over the years, but that gift on that day was one of my most special – helping me reconnect with my earthly father one last time, and reminding me once again that there will never be a power on earth comparable to our heavenly Father’s love for all of us.