Youth Fiction Author and Illustrator's Official Blog Page

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

God not only can heal a past, but He can rewrite it, too

Jarod and Dad

Last Friday my son Jarod was on the computer responding to emails from his classmates. He suddenly stopped, turned in his chair to face me, and said something touching.

"I want to thank you, Dad, for always being there for me."

I picked up, in particular, on the word "always." In fact, Jarod never had a father for the first 9 years of his life, living with his single mom. It wasn't until I married Kristen and adopted Jarod that I was, in fact, "there" for him.

"Well, I haven't always been there for you," I replied.

"Oh, yes you have dad," he said. "You were always there when I needed you."

I was humbled, and gave him a big, thankful hug. Then, came many days of thinking about what Jarod had said.

Defined, the word "always" doesn't allow interpretation. It means at all times. It means on every occasion. It means constantly, without variation or change. It means in every case.

"Always" is a pretty big word. And, the way Jarod said it, he didn't mean since 2007. He meant since 1997, the year he was born. Jarod was talking about a lifetime. His lifetime.

It serves as testimony that God almighty can reach back to heal a past, and even rewrite it in a little boy's heart.

God not only has paved a promising future for Jarod, He has rewritten his past, as well. As mere mortals, we cannot change the past, but God's supernatural power can.


8 comments:

Donna McDine said...

Kevin...beautifully written about a very personal moment. I am grateful you shared such a pivotal moment. Next time place a warning, "tissues may be needed."

Many blessings,
Donna
www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com

Grace Brooks said...

Beautiful Kevin. You wrote in a few words what so many people struggle with as Christians. So many Christians keep bringing up their past and not leave what deeds they did in the hands of God and allow Him to rewrite their future as well as their past. Beautiful thoughts and well written. I also congratulate you on your wonderous relationship with your son.

Shari Lyle-Soffe said...

Kev

Wonderfully said. I find it difficult sometimes to let go of the past. This is a good reminder of the power of our Lord.

Shari
http://sharilyle-soffe.com

Janet Ann Collins said...

What a touching story!

Anonymous said...

When I turned 21, I asked my mom's 5th husband to adopt me and he did. I know what your son means. My relationship with Steve has healed a past full of disappointments from men that were my "step-fathers". All of the sadness I experienced was washed away when I got my "real dad". The past just made me able to fully appreciate how blessed I am. Who would have guessed? God knew exactly what He was doing for all of those years! =+)
Blessings,
Aday

Magic Carpet of 16x Books said...

Kevin, I guess you and Jarod are lucky to have found each other. Some things are meant(ordained)to be.

Margot

Raybute said...

That was very touching. My kids can relate to that.

Jean said...

Isn't God good? He redeems what we have lost. He buys it back and presents it to us as one of the gifts of His love.

It makes your job as Dad a mighty big one, doesn't it?

Blessings,
Jean
http://www.jeanmatthewhall.blogspot.com