A Father's Love

February 26, 2026 | Melissa Riggs

I think of You  

as available if I need You — 

if I call, 

if I seek, 

if I pursue. 

As if grace could be up to me. 

 

The truth is 

You call out to me, 

but I am too busy 

earning Your love  

to notice. 

 

You aren’t passively waiting 

for me to try harder — 

to win Your favor. 

You aren’t apathetic 

to Your daughter. 

 

I know You are good, 

but I don’t always remember 

That “good” means 

gentle, 

secure, 

warm, 

tender. 

 

You reach out and 

pull me to You — 

in mercy. 

In love. 

I don’t have to beg for 

Your attention. 

I don’t have to ask 

You to choose me. 

 

I struggle 

to understand 

all that You are. 

I wrestle against 

Your compassionate hold. 

I try to match your strength, 

afraid You will let go. 

 

You quiet me  

in Your care. 

You wrap me up 

like a shivering child 

relaxing underneath a soft blanket. 

 

Here, 

in Your arms, 

I am settled 

and soothed. 

I breathe deeply. 

I close my eyes. 

I rest. 

Share