The Perfect Daddy

I listened to a radio program on the way home tonight. It was all about how important a daddy is to each little girl. Each girl needs that perfect father figure in her life; without him something will surely be amiss. Funny thing is, there isn't a single perfect daddy on this earth. Sure, some do better than others, but none of them are perfect. 

I was just thinking about this as I lay in bed trying to fall asleep. I was praying and telling God I knew He was perfect and talking to Him about some random things, but then some wave of cynicism swept over me and while I was saying one thing to God I was feeling a completely different thing. As I said "God, I know you are perfect, you'll never let me down, and you love me," I also got this thought that said, *How could you be perfect? No one is perfect, and those who claim to be are the furthest from it.*

I know that isn't true, but it's how I feel sometimes. I do not mean to dishonor my father in any way at all. He is a great dad, and I know he tries, but as a human he cannot possibly be perfect. I think we (or at least I) put dads on a special sort of pedestal and rely on them for so much; not only physical needs such as food, clothing and shelter, but also for affirmation and affection along with others. 

God is the one who will never fail to provide that. 

I don't know for sure that this is true, but I can imagine that boys need their daddies to love them in a special way, too. And I am sure this need isn't always or often fully met. Again, no fault to the dads. They are only human. But still, something is missing. 

God, I pray that you would be that perfect daddy to each of us. That you would show us what it means to be loved completely. I ask that you would give each of us the courage to let you love us fully and the faith to believe that you will and that you do. Complete us and make us new and whole again. Teach us to know you and to know your love. Let us look at our earthly fathers with the knowledge that they are not who you are. They only serve as a small and imperfect glimpse of who you are. You are ever so much better, more loving, and more perfect than any of the best daddies here on earth. Help us not to limit you by who they are. Help us to look at them and love them for who they are and not condemn them for who they are not. I know you love me, Lord Jesus; help me and all of us to accept that love and to know it fully. Amen.