Today, August 5, would have been my dad’s 93rd birthday. He was a wonderful father and grandfather, and we miss him every day. My parents were teachers so in the summers, when they were not taking classes or working extra jobs to help make ends meet, we would have fun together as a family. My siblings and I always looked forward to our tradition of celebrating Dad’s birthday with a trip to the zoo and a picnic in the park. I enjoy savoring those memories today. My sweet Mother’s November birthday was not quite as magical as she was helping us find lost sneakers and misplaced backpacks so we could get to school on time, but she accepted the birthday disparity knowing she was loved.
Reminiscing about my relationship with my dad today brings to mind one of the most challenging questions I face in Spiritual Direction: What is my image of God? While the image of God as father is fundamental, my image of God has more dimensions. I do not see my own father as a god-like figure…the many stories my siblings and I shared during gatherings this summer would confirm this… yet some of Dad’s best qualities can help me deepen my understanding of my image of God.
Three themes in today’s readings highlight qualities I appreciated about my dad: being joyful, protecting the vulnerable, and advocating for those you love. Exploring these themes in today’s readings to better understand how I see God seems like a good way to celebrate Dad’s birthday today.
Our first reading from Jeremiah is filled with joy about the vision for the future. The image of merrymakers dancing to festive tambourines is truly joyful. We hear proclamations of the love of God and of enjoying the fruits of our labor. My dad’s mantra was “every day is a gift.” And he lived his life in that fashion with his positive attitude and good humor. Jeremiah helps me see how Dad’s abiding faith in God allowed him to navigate health problems, financial setbacks, and heartbreaks while also seeing something good in each day and looking forward to a bright future. God provides so many opportunities to feel joy and hope.
Today’s Psalm highlights a helpful image with the refrain of: The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock. There is power in protecting the vulnerable. My dad was a gentle giant of a man who was a steady presence during challenging times in our lives. We also witnessed his being a friend to a variety of people in our town. Where some might see socioeconomic status, education level, lifestyle, or bad choices of the past as a justification to judge someone, Dad saw the humanity and richness in those lives. Those relationships were so authentic that it was not until I was an adult that I could reflect on how Dad’s companionship offered a form of protection. He was quite discerning and had no tolerance for bullies or those who used their power and privilege to hurt others. I am reminded of the protection God offers me throughout my life.
In today’s Gospel from Matthew, we hear the story of the Canaanite women fiercely advocating for Jesus to heal her daughter from demons. She continues to frame her advocacy until she proves her faith, and Jesus is finally willing to heal her daughter. There are some rare yet powerful times when I saw my dad in the advocate role. His deep love and incredible patience served him well. His advocacy had a quiet, steadfast tone. This helps me appreciate the times when God is advocating for me. I remember during some of my darkest days, feeling this persistent and gentle call to place my trust in God.
Today I pray for God to give me the grace to feel joy in the daily pleasures of life and hope for our collective future. I pray for God to help me see the humanity in all people, especially the vulnerable and for me to remember that even a small gesture can help someone feel seen and safe. I ask God to help me see when I can advocate for someone in a meaningful and respectful manner. And I thank God for the blessings I have received from my dear Dad.
Mary Lee Brock
Here at Creighton University, I serve as the Director of the Negotiation and Conflict Resolution (NCR) program and as an Assistant Professor in the Heider College of Business. The mission of the NCR program is to prepare agents of social change to engage and resolve conflict effectively, efficiently and humanely. As a conflict engagement educator, facilitator and conflict coach, I encourage individuals and groups to develop conflict competency essential to personal, professional and community growth.
Being in community with others is where my faith grows and where I am encouraged to love and serve others. My life is blessed with a loving family, loyal friends and the occasional rough patch to keep it real. The online ministry community is rich, far flung faith sharing community of which I am honored to be a member.
