Daddy, Abba Father

Happy Birthday Daddy! 

Today my Daddy will celebrate another year around the sun.  He has made the trip 89 times.  Happy Birthday Daddy.   In honor of his birthday and with upcoming fathers day, I dedicate this entry to him.    He was and is my very first hero!

Why is it that so many people struggle to understand and believe the character of their Heavenly father?  I think in large part, it is due to a less than ideal relationship with an earthly father.  That is just too bad! I was one of the lucky ones.  My daddy was and is the best!  How cool was I to be the kid with the airstream trailer!?

A Fond Childhood Memory 1966

I was a tomboy and grew up playing with the neighborhood kids, most of them were boys. It didn’t bother me and I learned to hold my own.  My birthday party to celebrate 6 years was legendary!  With very modest means, we set up an obstacle course in our back yard.   The massive oak tree with the rope swing, the pond with the homemade water feature, and the soft grassy hill separating our yard from Jeffy Kline’s.  After two hours, sweaty, dirty and pooped, all of the kids gathered around the picnic table for cake and ice cream.   But Daddy wasn’t around.

Soon he appeared with our big wheelbarrow and hollered, “whose first”?  What absolute delight!  He gave all 12 or so kids wheelbarrow rides.  And many more than once!   Now he was sweaty, dirty and pooped!  But at that moment, I couldn’t love him anymore.  He was adored by all my friends.  The next day there was a knock at the door.  It was Eddie Dunkleberger. He asked if my dad could come out and play.  NO!  I said indignantly.  He is all mine!

Larry/ Lawrence Fred Roeshot/ Daddy-O

Larry has 4 kids and 14 grandkids. I was the second oldest and his oldest daughter.  I’m not quite sure how he does it, but in spite of that, he has always made me feel as if I’m his favorite.  Daddy loves the Lord and makes Him first priority in his life. His confidence in me over the years gives me pause.  And when I struggle with a decision, or any challenge after hearing me… his reassuring words are… “Debbie Dear, you are guided!”   Thank you Daddy for the strong foundation.

Abba Father

The bible uses many names to describe God.  Yahweh, El Shaddai, Jehovah.   No surprise that my favorite title is Abba Father!  In scripture, it is especially important in understanding how God relates to people.  The word Abba is an Aramaic word and is most closely translated as “Daddy.”   It communicates both a close, intimate relationship —  like the one between a daddy and his child and also, the childlike trust a child has for her daddy.

Consider your relationship with your earthly father.  How has that influenced your understanding of your heavenly father?

In spite of the baggage that may weigh down your thinking, I recommend you come to know the Abba Father in scripture.   You will be amazed that He not only allows us sinners,  but encourages us sinners to call Him “Abba Father.”   Not only that, but we are His adopted children, co-heirs with Christ.  (Romans 8:16,17)

Level of Comfort

As wonderful as my daddy is, it is still a challenge to have the same level of comfort, familiarity and trust with my Heavenly Father.  Just imagine, the creator of the Universe, the One who sustains life, the Holy, all knowing, all powerful, ever-present God, wants to give you a wheelbarrow ride!   That is the “Abba Father” I strive to know.

Debbie Hucke