Doting Father

Mike wrote a poem for Julia before she was born that ends with "And I'll love you little girl for all the days we will count together and beyond." That poem is hanging in Julia's bedroom. When we went into Julia's room for the first time after she died, Mike put his arm around me, pointed to the poem, and said, "we are in the beyond."

Mike has held true to his promise. Watching Mike love Julia, even now, helps me get a taste of God's heart for us. Here's a poem to capture what I've been noticing, and some reflection questions that helped me ponder God's love further. Perhaps they can help you too.

You study her.
Replay every scene
from every moment.
You catalogue the days
making sure not one
is lost.
You count her words,
every one like
a hidden treasure
you can't keep secret.
You screenshot her
expression.
You delight when
she delights.
Put every squeal
in slow motion.
You trace her photos,
remarking on her
beauty with every line
and curl.
You write her story
so no one will forget,
publishing and pronouncing
your pride
for the one you call
comedian, scientist, conductor, genius
Julia, Jupster, Jupee...
Daughter.

Questions for Reflection:
1. What nicknames does God have for you? What does he call you when he can't contain his fondness for you?
2. Sometimes we can't wait to get to the next thing. Perhaps you live waiting for Friday to come or for your next project to be finished. But imagine God cataloguing every day he has with you, such that none of them are lost. Even the "boring" days with you are so special to God. How can you savor today with God?
3. How does the image of the doting Father compare or contrast to your current image of how God looks at you? Tell God how that feels.