“My way is all confidence and love, I do not understand souls who fear a friend so tender.” (St. Therese of Lisieux)
God the Father is easy for me to understand, because my own dad reflected so much of this image. I did not fear my dad. He had a kindness about him that inspired trust and confidence. When I broke curfew, was caught doing a neighborhood prank with my friends, accidentally broke a window or did not have a stellar report card, I knew my dad would call me in for a little chat. He would look me in the eyes, patiently listen to my explanation and then offer a few words of wisdom in a calm and direct way (of course with the appropriate “tough” punishment). God the Father loves us unconditionally, not because we are special or impressive, but simply because we are his children.
