“My children, our love should not be just words and talk; it must be true love, which shows itself in action.” – 1 John 3:18
JUST like many teenagers, I experienced the pain of having a turbulent relationship with my dad.
Outside, I was the innocent teenager who did good deeds. At home, however, I was the brat who would argue about anything just to prove that I was old enough to be on my own — that I didn’t need anyone’s help.
I would often answer back at my dad in the most disrespectful way, all the more proving what a bratty child I was. I was indifferent to the emotional pain I was causing him by my hurting words and insistence on having things done “my way.”
Back then, I was too preoccupied with his negative side that I overlooked the sacrifices he was making just to assure me of a good life. The worst thing was that I even wished to be rid of him completely.
Just to get away from my dad, I decided to step out of my parents’ house and move in with my elder sibling. Eventually, I gained freedom from the scoldings of my dad and his annoying shadow.
For more than a year of being away from each other, Dad and I were so stubborn that no one was willing to take the initial move to break the ice.
I really had no plans of going back or admitting my mistake until my aunt told me that my dad cried while they were talking about me. Maybe it was the convincing story of my aunt or the fact that my father cried over me that moved me. I was so ashamed of myself.
I was missing my dad, but my pride stopped me from admitting it. I tried to keep it to myself until a friend called me up to tell me that his dad had just passed away.
Just like me, he was a “dad-hater.” I even remember the time when we talked about the grudges we held towards our fathers.
I felt touched by what had happened to my pal. I felt so sorry not only because of his loss, but because it felt as if God had provided me an instrument to make me realize how stupid I had been.
I felt so guilty. It took me a lot of courage to go back to my dad and ask for forgiveness. I expected him to say the most painful words which I thought I truly deserved.
Ironically, during the wake of my friend’s father, Dad made the first move. My father gave me the warmest embrace I ever had in my life. I hugged him back closely, too closely that I could almost hear his heartbeat.
Now, I know that we’re both ready to start again. I will try to prove to him that I will never fail him in this second chance God gave me.
Prayer: Lord, we thank You for giving us a second chance to correct our misdoings. Thank You for sending us instruments who help us find the path toward righteousness. Let Your guidance be with us forever so that we may not stray away from Your divine will. Amen.
