My Father’s Daughter
As I unabashedly placed a dripping mug of hot coffee on top of a crisp, new yellow legal pad, I had to chuckle. As much as I love brand new and pristine office products (yes, I still love back-to-school shopping), it doesn’t bother me to ruin a perfectly good legal pad because I can still write over the coffee stain.
To me, a cup of coffee is one of life’s pleasures. Could it be that the association of coffee with my dad is what makes it more special to me? After all, my admiration of him probably got me started drinking coffee anyway!
My dad, who I think is one of the finest men to ever walk the face of the earth, has always used yellow legal pads and has always placed cups of coffee on them. When I see a coffee ring on a legal pad, it brings me not only a feeling of connection with him, but also an excitement about what ideas and projects will fill up the pages. Over the years, as I look back and see my hastily written ideas or carefully made plans over a coffee stain, I know that I was enjoying my coffee while I was working.
Coffee drinking and legal pad use notwithstanding, I am proud to be my father‘s daughter. I find myself repeating some of his sayings, I aspire to be as generous and servant-hearted as he is, and I enjoy working with my hands like he does. (It does not escape me that I have hit the jackpot in the earthly father department.) He is a compassionate and gentle follower of Christ, who continually lays his life down in the service of others, while still taking time to enjoy the things that make him happy.
As I sat staring at that coffee ring, I wondered if I reflect the qualities of my other Father. Do I have the same sayings that He does? Do I aspire to be as compassionate to lay my life down in the service of others as He did? Does God drink coffee? Okay, maybe that last one is a silly question….
My answer to the question “am I my Heavenly father‘s daughter?” is a resounding yes. But I wonder, how does my life demonstrate it?
I do spend time in the service of others, but God sees my heart when I’m doing those things and my inner struggles with pride and selfishness.
Yes, I am speaking some of my heavenly Father’s sayings but “Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.” (James 3:10 NIV)
As I grow more mature in my faith, I start to see how thin the line is between being known as a Child of God or a Child of the world.
“What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us.” (1 Corinthians 2:12 NIV)
With prayer and petition, I invite you to join me in allowing our Heavenly Father to write His ideas and plans upon our hearts so that we become His indelible daughters.
ABOUT OUR BLOGGER
Sarah Flowers lives in idyllic Chadds Ford, where she is steeped in beauty and connection to the land and its history. She loves coffee and flowers and getting to know Jesus. A lifelong learner, she seeks to follow God’s plan to bring hope to His children. Sarah is a self-declared serial optimist and melodiphile; there’s always a path to the sunny side and a soundtrack for the journey! She is a mom and wife and a grateful alumna of Northwood University. Her former iterations include automotive professional and shoe diva. Sarah is one of the co-hosts of the podcast Trustworthy and is “most likely to ride bikes in the woods!”
WOMEN’S WINTER GROUPS
If you've been thinking about a fresh start for 2025, it's time to sign up for our winter/spring women's groups. You'll find our groups are a great way to connect with other women, make new friends and grow in relationship with Jesus. Groups start early to mid January and registration is now open on the Willowdale website: Click here. Please register early so we can ensure that we have plenty of materials.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN OUR WOMEN'S GROUPS
Women who don’t have it all together but are committed to grow in faith!
Safe place to ask questions.
Thought-provoking discussions.
Soon-to-be-friends to journey alongside you.
Homework that will challenge your faith with options designed for women with busy lives.
Much needed prayer.
Confidentiality.
Questions? Please contact Carole Hoy at choy@willowdalechapel.org