When I was in junior high, most of my social life happened around the skating rink where I would go to meet all my friends. Each week I would rent my skates and watch while many of my friends were lacing up skates of their own — pretty white ones all polished and scuff free. I watched with envy as they entered the rink and started to round the circle for our two-hour session.
When Christmas rolled around, my one request was a pair of white roller skates of my own. I anxiously waited for Christmas morning with great anticipation. I couldn’t wait to tear off the wrapping paper and gaze at my new, long awaited roller skates.
On Christmas morning my sister and I got up early, as always, and ran to the Christmas tree. We opened several gifts until the last one was gone. You guessed it! There were no roller skates to be found. I was devastated! A little dramatic, I admit. I fought back the tears and tried not to show my parents the disappointment that I felt. Truthfully, I’m really no good at keeping my feelings from showing. I never have been. Finally, I ran to my room, fell across my bed and cried my eyes out. I still feel bad today about acting like a spoiled brat that Christmas.
Shortly after my disappearance from the family activities, my Daddy came and sat down on the side of my bed and said, “Honey, what’s wrong?” I’m not sure if he knew or not. Looking back, I know that I didn’t get the skates because they simply didn’t have the money. I told him how disappointed I was not to have gotten the roller skates. He paused for a few seconds and then said, “Honey, we will find a way to get them for you if it means that much.” And, he did. Within a day or two, Daddy brought the new roller skates home. I was elated and couldn’t wait to get to the rink and show them off.
I’m really not sure why Daddy got them for me other than he loved me and didn’t want me to be disappointed. Daddy had a lot of disappointment growing up and often told us stories of Christmases when he received nothing. I remember him telling how one Christmas he got a piece of fruit. He probably used the only money he had to buy those skates for me so I wouldn’t experience what he did as a child.
My Daddy sitting on the side of my bed stroking my back and listening to my heart’s cry is one of the most precious memories I have of my Dad. It was important to him that I have my heart’s desire. He wanted me to be happy. I’m not sure if it was the right thing for him to do from a parental point of view, but it still melts my heart today so it can’t be all bad.
Our heavenly Father is like that. He loves us so much that he wants the very best for us. When we cry out to him and trust him, he answers and gives us our hearts desires. Sometimes it’s not in the time frame we would like, but he is faithful to answer. He is a good Daddy and he wants to give good gifts to his children when we ask.
Wonder what would have happened if I hadn’t ask my Dad for the skates? I’m sure I would have continued to rent them for a long time! What is your heart’s desire? Is there something you’ve been hesitating to ask for? What would you like to ask of the Father today?
So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him. Matthew 7:11