Finding Joy in the Journey

It wasn’t the first time a conversation with my father had left me feeling like there was so much more to say. When I would call him on the phone, I would always share my latest endeavors, hoping he’d share in my enthusiasm. But more than anything, I longed to spend quality time together. Over time, I’ve come to see that my father expresses his affection toward others through acts of service rather than words of affirmation, and I needed God’s help to better understand that everyone loves differently.  

Still, I wrestled with unresolved feelings. But healing began when God helped me see all the admirable qualities my father possessed—like how faithfully he had provided for me over the years, his witty humor, and willingness to be at my side whenever I needed him. Later on, my grandmother showed me a school photo of my father as a child. His tender smile touched my heart, as I couldn’t have been more proud of all the challenges he’d had to overcome while leading our household. On another occasion, the Lord brought to mind one of the most powerful scenes in the New Testament.

Before Jesus was led to the cross, soldiers stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him. They wove thorn branches into a crown and put it on his head, and they placed a reed stick in his right hand as a scepter. Then they knelt before him in mockery and taunted, “Hail! King of the Jews!” And they spit on him and grabbed the stick and struck him on the head with it (Matthew 27:28-30 NLT).During His crucifixion, Jesus witnessed people filled with derision instead of gratitude. Even the high priests mocked him, saying, “So he is the King of Israel, is he? Let him come down from the cross right now, and we will believe in him! (Matthew 27:42)

Despite all this, Jesus said: “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34). Although relationships can be messy, we can always surrender our pain to God and trust Him to mend what’s broken.

One weekend, my father drove all the way across the state of Virginia to help me buy a new car. When I was getting the paperwork all together, I realized I had run out of checks to pay the dealership. Although my father’s disappointment was evident, he proceeded to apologize and hug me. I was grateful for this breakthrough in our relationship and knew that God had undoubtedly been at work in both our hearts.

Bestowing grace to others often comes in pieces. Nevertheless, it’s a beautiful journey of trusting God and allowing Him to bring joy to our relationships.

Dear Jesus, help us to respond to others with the same patience and understanding that You have for us. We pray that with every person we meet, You are teaching us to love more unconditionally as we grow in Your likeness each day. In Your precious name, amen.

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Scripture is quoted from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.