by the Rev John Yaxley, Church of Nazarene

HOW well do you know your father?

What words describe your relationship with him?

I’ve recently spent five weeks with close family living in our house.

My grandson wanted to spend time with me. He and I were waiting for the taxi to arrive. When it did the driver thought I was taking four children, because three children who live nearby were standing close to me!

I explained their dad isn’t around – he lives separately – and said I tried to be a dad to them.

I explained I was sad there were so many dads who were not involved with their families.

He began to tell me his own father had died recently. The driver went on to tell me how much he missed his dad. He was probably a similar age to me and his story connected strongly with me. And I realised my relationship with my dad hadn’t been as close as it might have been.

The ten minutes in which we travelled to McDonald's went quickly. We conversed about many things. This man was interested in and good at sports. We could have talked longer, but my grandson was waiting. I hope he knows me well. But I wonder how well you know your children, relatives and especially your dad?

The Bible tells us God is a Father to those without Fathers. Even better than a close relationship with our dad on earth is a special connection with God. Christians believe Jesus revealed what God the Father is like when he visited earth. Whether dad is with us or not we have opportunity of connecting with the Father through Jesus his son. That’s the most amazing relationship!