So there’s a verse that goes God is a father to the fatherless. This one in the 68th Psalm but it’s in other places as well. There is also an anecdote about lambs who are rejected by their mom and have to be nursed by the shepherd. And how that lamb is somehow special – a bit of a metaphor for God’s role and love as a father.

I have reflected on the truthfulness and consequences of the concept in that verse. Do I really want God as a substitute parent in lieu of a good earthly one?

For me, also applies to other major roles – mother, siblings, mentor, partner.

Is God not only sufficient but even better?

I tell my daughter that we will do everything to prevent her from having too many father issues. Not sure if that’s even the possible but we’ll do our best.

I try to instruct, validate, encourage her. She is smart – Carrie Mateson style. I see her as my point guard – I will teach her my offense but she has to decide whether and how to implement it. My alma mater’s head coach, Gary Williams, tended to recruit heady, gritty point guards to lead his squads. They often weren’t the most explosive, but were steady. They knew how to calm the team down and carry it. And she likely follows in that vein.

But back to God as a father. Does He really know our needs and even wants before we can even say a word?

I think so.

One birthday, I was by myself in the Twin Cities without really knowing anyone. There was some sort of river festival and one of the headliner band was the Gin Blossoms, the jangly alternative rock band that was a significant part of my high school years. I thought this was a nice birthday gift from above. Right by the banks is the mighty Mississippi.

I also told a friend recently that while I was very average at sports, I could do one thing exceptionally well in the ones I played and even in my career. They compensate for the rest – also gifts from God.

On a related note, my daughter is studying for the NYC high school entrance exams. The process is frankly insanity to me. Kids this young do not need this pressure. It’s neither healthy or practical. The test itself does not account for what she does best – which is some combination of book, street, and people smarts. That only comes out in real life situations.

And I think seasoned with the grace and light of God.

With a bit of her dad as well.