A Son Unashamed

Yesterday I took Rainy and Zeke with me to get the oil changed in the Yukon. It provided a much-needed break for Tasha (I think her fetal position thumb-sucking combined with her self-inflicted patchy scalp gave me the hint) since the kids have been cooped up in the house all week due to the ungodly amounts of rain. Of course, it also allowed me the opportunity to spend some time with them (and, it helps that I knew there was a “kid section” at this particular car shop which was currently showing Disney’s “Tangled”).

As the kids were completely lost in the film, I jumped on the Internet to get caught up on some work. It was then that it began.  I think it happened about three times. Periodically, throughout our wait, Zeke would turn around to me and exclaim, “Dad, I love you.”

As any dad knows, under typical circumstances the melting of the heart soon ensues after being the recipient of such a loving declaration. The thing with Zeke, though, is that he has no concept of inside versus outside volume. Without question, he was using his outside voice to project these outbursts of love for his dad, and every last stranger in that waiting area became a part of our conversation, whether they wanted to or not.

I quickly realized I was faced with a choice. I could tone down the volume and respond to him like a civilized person would, whispering, “I love you too.” Or I could respond to him the way he had originally spoken to me, in a voice undaunted and resolute, packed full of the love of a proud father. I chose the latter.  I didn’t care who heard. I didn’t care what they thought. I was proud to let everyone in that room know that I loved my son.

It’s funny how a tiny event like that between an earthly father and son can teach you so much about your Heavenly Father.  As I was reflecting on it last night, I couldn’t help but think of that passage of Scripture in Luke’s Gospel where Jesus says,

“For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.” (Luke 9:26)

I thought, “In no way whatsoever is Zeke ashamed of his dad.  Not in the least bit.  And in no way whatsoever am I ashamed of him. “

And then I prayed, “Lord, please let that be true of my relationship with You.  May I not be ashamed of You.  May I be proud to let the whole world know that I love You—that You’re my dad, and I’m so proud to be called your son.”