Do you have someone that you look up to? That, if given the chance, you would like to become just like them? Or, do you have a parent that - purposefully or not - you have become them? I have several strong women, including my beautiful mother, that I look up to and attempt to emulate. But I have become my father.
You know that funny meme online? The one that says
“I opened my mouth and my mother came out!”
That happens to me a lot, except my dad comes out. It’s not a bad thing by any stretch of the imagination! We both love the same things: good food, scary movies, a fan blowing on us while we sleep. I’ve always looked up to my dad. He was, and continues to be a wonderful provider. I’ve never seen anyone work harder for his family. He is laid back, fun, and insanely smart. While we certainly have our differences, I love the fact that I resemble my father in personality and looks.
If God is our Father, shouldn’t we possess some of His personality traits? Should we, at the end of the day, look like Him? For me, it’s difficult to see God in myself, even though we know that we are created in His image. Genesis 1:27 It’s not necessarily something I can see in the mirror looking back at me every day. Some of that is because I am hard on myself and constantly think “I could be better.” The other side of that is because I’m not spending enough time with God. I’m like my dad and say some of the same things he does because of the vast amount of hours we have spent together. I can’t help but think if we were to spend more time with God we would become more like Him.
If we became more like God and spent more time with him, what would we look like? Would those around us notice a difference? I definitely think people would notice the changes in me if I were to emulate God more. I don’t think we could be too compassionate or too merciful. Matthew 6:6 reminds us that when we go to pray, God the Father sees us. He is truly there with us.
Some women out there may never have known their father. Or, if they did, they certainly did not want to become like him. God gives everyone a chance to learn from the very best. They don’t know what it’s like to have a strong, earthly father by their side. But God says, “Come and be my child. I will love you.” Who wouldn’t want to be the child of literally the world’s best dad?
I like to think that I already resemble God in some aspects of my life. I hope that I show compassion and forgiveness. But, I know that I am also quick to judge and difficult to get along with at times. I think by spending time with my Father, we as followers of Christ, can learn a thing or two from Him and become better people.
Reflection: Who do you look up to in your spiritual life?
Reflection: What are some things you could learn from God if you were to spend more time with Him?
Act: Choose an activity-praying the rosary, attending daily mass, leading children’s church etc. and spend some extra time with God.
