Our Relationship with God: Like a Dad and Daughter

This past Sunday, my eye was caught by a father and daughter playing basketball. The little girl was about 4 or 5 years old. The father was gently passing the ball to her and guiding their play, while she was all over the place. It reminded me of a relationship with God.

Sometimes she was catching the ball with ease. Sometimes she was missing it. Sometimes she was throwing it way too far to the left or right. Sometimes she was unable to focus and twirling around. Sometimes she was jumping up and trying to reach the basket which was too high for her. All throughout, her father patiently played with her, ran after her balls, and kept guiding her and pulling her back to the game. 

I thought to myself: This is an image of my own relationship with God, and, I think it's an image of most of our relationships with God.

Our relationship with God is a lot like a relationship between a father and a son or daughter. God, the Father, being our patient guide, running after us, present when we’re distracted or unfocused, staying in the game with us even when we “miss,” and pulling us back when we stray. 

It reminds me of the recent daily readings of Moses and the Israelites. The Israelites were all over the place. Grumbling. Hungry. Saying they would follow God’s commands and then failing. God was steadfast ... caring for them, pulling them along their journey, being patient with their complaining, and continuing to be faithful to them. 

God is always a good Father to us: Patient. Caring, Faithful. Loving. Steadfast. Merciful. Next time you see a dad and daughter or a dad and son, contemplate how much that relationship is like God and you, and maybe You’ll see the Lord and your relationship with Him in a new way.