Wednesday, March 28, 2018

Tanya's 'Rodriquez' side and Heavenly Father's side

Growing up I have always had an interesting relationship with my father. He has always been kind and pleasant to me but his relational distance made him seem like more of a crazy uncle than a Dad. As a little kid, my disappointment in our relationship and his limited interest in me would cause me to ask if he even remembered he had a daughter. Earlier this month his health turned for the worst and he passed away.  When cleaning out his belongings, I found his wallet. Within the worn and tattered billfold was a crusty photo sleeve containing a very faded photo of ME. Finding it was like discovering the treasure of a lifetime. He DID remember he had a daughter. He DID think of me. He DID love me.
As I smile thinking about this moment, I’m reminded that GOD loves me even more than a faded photo in a wallet. Most importantly, we get to help students in high school and middle school discover that there is a GOD who not only remembers them, but CREATED them to be HIS sons and daughters and PURSUES them with a reckless love. Our heavenly Father loves us perfectly and never leaves us.—What a joy to experience REAL hope as I prepare emerging leaders to spread this hope with kids in their communities.   -Tanya Rodriquez-Huber