We unfortunately receive the parents we do and I don’t fully understand why God or the universe calls it that way. 

The Disney movie Finding Nemo is one of the best movies on fatherhood as well as the role and presence of God as a Heavenly Father. I remember watching it with a close friend who would joke with me that if we weren’t married by 40, we would marry each other. I have sometimes wondered.

In the movie, Nemo, a clownfish with a defective fin, is raised by his single father after his mother was killed by a shark. I often think that this metaphor is so apt. I met real life ones and they are monsters that hurt others. Nemo’s father is overprotective and does not believe in his son’s ability. The reality is that he doesn’t believe in himself. 

A key scene that sets up the main storyline is when Nemo is dared by his classmates to go beyond a boundary to touch the hull of a boat. His father tells him that he is not capable of doing so and Nemo, embarrassed, humiliated, and angry replies “I hate you Dad.” He then swims up to the boat, touches it, and is promptly captured. 

Nemo’s father then searches for him, despite not knowing where he is, braving the unknown, facing danger, his own fears and limitations. He eventually finds his son after a long journey and learns to let go, in more ways than one. 

In another key scene, Nemo’s father tells a friend that he hoped that nothing would even happen to Nemo, to which she replies – “That’s a strange thing to hope for.” This movie also illustrates well how God is as a father. He looks for us. To quote a songwriter, He is not some worldview, book, goal, lifestyle. No, Gods primary role is as a father, a good one. Shame on all those who have taught or demonstrated otherwise. 

I have observed that for some people, their perceptions of God are heavily colored or influenced by their earthly fathers. If they are abusive or absent, then they believe God is also that way. I taught many students with absent or abusive fathers. I used to say a dead father is better than an absent one. Those who understand that know what I’m talking about. All of the girls I’ve loved had a father issue as well. And other female friends I know. 

I teach my kids that while I’m a flawed one, I have good things to pass on and God is a perfect one.  

And He will always look for and find them.

But I just think everyone is just a little lost. Or a lot.  You’re the one I want to be lost with.