My college graduation was held in one of its large campus auditoriums. My father had a fear of flying but somehow, he was able to suppress that fear, and fly from Hawaii to Southern California. As elated as I was to have him attend my college graduation, there was some trepidation that he would do something outlandish. Four years earlier, at my high school graduation in Hawaii, it was a stifling 90 degrees and all the graduates were wearing suits! The only relief we sought was the completion of the exercise so we could shed these uncomfortable and Hawaiian-inappropriate garments. My father had a better answer! He brought an ice chest filled with bottles of Coca Cola. He then proceeded to find all of my friends and hand them the chilled bottles, shaking their hands, grinning, and exclaiming, “Have a Coke and a smile!” recapitulating the tagline of the well-known commercial at that time.
As I was preparing to walk onto the stage to receive my diploma from the college president, my father did not disappoint. He darted out of the audience, a huge double white carnation flower lei in his arms. In front of thousands of people and a roar of laughter, he placed the lei around my neck, hugged me, and whispered in my ear, “Congratulations! Now no more puka t-shirts, a new car, and a trip around the world! By the way, Son, I’m very proud of you!”
You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.
Matthew 7:9-11 (NLT)
One of our many roles as parents is to provide the tools and resources for our children to succeed in life. My parents certainly did that. My father gave me good gifts and made each milestone in my life so memorable. He celebrated life with flair! Our heavenly Father does the same for all who place their trust and faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. God wants to bless His children and like my earthly father, will do it in the most unexpected and beautiful ways.
What a great God we serve!
Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.
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