I Am Loved: Becoming a Child

Today marks the day my dad turns 59 years old as of 5:55 a.m. CST. It is always a special day for me because it becomes a time to celebrate his presence and his love. Yet, today’s readings make me rejoice in another father who all of us may call Daddy — our heavenly Father.

In the first reading, the Evangelist writes, “See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. Yet so we are” (NABRE, Jn 3:1). In these words, we discover His amazing love for us and our new life as His children of infinite majesty.

RIM

Earlier this year, I discovered the power of this love in the acronym, RIM. It spells out relationship, identity, and mission. Part one shows me the Father wants a particular relationship with me which He predestined before the creation of the world. Part two reveals this relationship of child to Father as my identity. And part three becomes a simple sharing of this relationship with the world.

Being in a relationship with the Father as His child means I am deeply loved. It means there is someone who never stops thinking of me, day and night. “Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb? Even should she forget, I will never forget you” (Isaiah 49:15).

The fact that this relationship becomes my identity, frees my heart. I do not have to look to my family or friends or pleasures for consolation and love. And I do not have to seek my identity in accomplishments, expectations, or people. I am a beloved child of the Father. His love alone defines me. The rest of life is icing on the cake.

When grounded in this filial relationship, I receive my mission: show others that they, too, are loved by Him. On a more practical note, we carry out this mission in how we take care of ourselves and the relationships around us.

If I can offer anything, learn to receive. Imagine Him picking us up and holding us close in His arms. The Father wants to spoil us, if we let Him.

Birthdays

I said my dad’s birthday reminds me of our heavenly Father. It still does. But it also reminds me of the birthday we celebrate this Christmas season. As we end here, let us turn to the Christ Child. We cannot get much better than the Son of God. And the Alleluia acclamation already anticipated our need for Him. “To those who accepted him, he gave power to become the children of God” (Jn 1:12). It is only in Christ that we learn to be a child. Do not take my word for it. Take the Father’s Word. That is why “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (1:14). He became a child because He wants each of us to become that child. We already are that child. It is up to each of us to receive it. If I may, I leave with one encouragement: go to adoration. Sit in His Presence. Bask in the Father’s love and let Him love you. Mary, Queen of our hearts, pray for us.

We welcome Sean to the GVM Reflection Writer universe, and this is his first contribution. Thanks so much for helping us spread God’s word around the corner, and around the world.