Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. – Luke 9:23 (NIV)
I took a sip from a freshly-brewed cup of coffee my husband handed out to me from the counter as he ordered for our breakfast in a favorite place as I reserved the booth for the three of us. My son was right behind him, holding a smoldering cup of water for his tea.
Few minutes later, two servers approached us with huge plates of the “combos” we wanted to try.
“Country Fried Steak!” she uttered loudly as she was holding two plates and discovered one was for my husband, the other for our son…
“Like father, like son,” I quickly replied as she lowered the plates in front of them and gave me a big smile.
Like father…Like son…It was not only about those same orders in my mind. It went beyond those years since giving birth to our son and my husband had been a great father for him and up to now. He, a father who was firm with his decision to show his child the right road in finding true success and meaning in his still budding life. The road that was narrow and where the steps in his journey would not always be easy and comfortable. The road where his child must also prepare to suffer. He knew way ahead as he took that road before him. And he knew, that his child was always watching his footsteps and would always trace his footsteps.
“Always do the right thing, no matter what your friends or other people will say,” he often would remind his son whenever he would have a heart-to-heart talk with him.
I took a bite from my medium-well steak, followed by a mouthful of hash browns.
“Hmmm…Good,” I uttered and offered to my husband and son if they wanted to taste.
“No!” they both replied, same answers as expected, contented with the big serving they had to finish.
I stole a glance at my husband and at my son and I saw the big resemblance. Not only with their physical appearances but much more with their godly character. And my steak tasted more delicious as I pondered on one thought. I was grateful for God Who gave me a great husband and a father to my son who has been walking in his father’s footsteps. Footprints Jesus etched on the streets that led to Golgotha and up to the stairway to His kingdom. It was not an easy feat to walk on that pathway. The pathway that was shown only to those hearts willing to follow Him in the first place.
Grateful because what was coming from my family’s hearts, His hands shaped and created. Hearts that avoid those things that give grounds to spiritual enemies. Hearts that are not surprised when troubles come but instead, would always know the importance of increasing their faith all the more and knowing that the only choice would always be to become more dependent of His mercy, grace, guidance, and love. Hearts that would always be aware to shun fears amidst adversities, knowing His hands would always tend, provide and care for His beloved.
Grateful because He is truly an awesome Father from up above!
Thank You Father for loving us unconditionally. Happy Father’s Day dear husband of mine and to all of you, fathers out there! Remember who’s watching your footsteps!
If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. – Matthew 10:38 (NLT)
