“Mom did not like animals in the house; they belonged outside.  But they always had animals around thanks to the kids.  Dogs, cats, fish, birds, squirrels, and even a pig that was gifted to them for a small period of time.  Thankfully it wasn’t a hog, because I’m sure Dad would have been in the back yard calling the hogs, and the neighbors may not have appreciated it.  Every time Tara would bring home a stray or wounded animal, Mom would roll her eyes and allow her to keep it in her bathroom and bedroom area until it got bigger – but then ‘it had to go.’  One squirrel got released outside the house, and Mom kept a basket of pecans next to the refrigerator.  When the squirrel would come each day and climb the screen door, she would open it up, let the squirrel select his nuts, then let him back out again.  If Tim or Tara happened to bring over a new kitten to show Mom, she would just love on it and cuddle it – but then ‘it had to go.’  For someone who raised their kids that way, it wasn’t very effective as Lanny’s dog, Tim’s cats, and Tara’s menagerie can attest.  Tara even makes her living caring for others’ pets.”

Oh, what parents will do for their children!

Pat Haney was a sweet soul that loved her husband, her children, and all of her family and friends dearly.  She demonstrated that love by her actions.

Now note this wonderful truth: consider what the Heavenly Father did so that we can become His children.

John wrote to Christians about the Father’s love: “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” – 1 John 3:1 NIV

Each of us belongs to God by right of creation.  He created mankind in His own image.  We have marred that image due to our sin, but God still loves us.  In fact, He wants to save us and bring us into His forever family.  He wants each of us to be His child by right of redemption.

God’s desire to “adopt” us into His family came at a great price.  “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 ESV).  God gave His Son to die on the cross for our sins (2 Corinthians 5:21), so that through Him we might have the forgiveness of our sins and be added to God’s forever family.

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1 NIV), IF we will only accept His offer on His terms.  Won’t YOU?

- David A. Sargent