The Perfect Dad

"It's time to dismiss our class, but before we go, let's pray to God using the prayer Jesus taught us," said Mrs. Mac. "Last week we talked about the meaning of the words and phrases. Think about them as you say them today." The kids in the Sunday school class stood up and together recited the Lord's Prayer.As the children were leaving, Mrs. Mac smiled warmly at Ben, a new boy in the class. "We're so glad you came today," she said. "We hope you'll come again."Ben shrugged. "You all said that prayer just now--that one that begins, 'Our Father in heaven.' Well, I don't want to have anything to do with God if He's a father!""What makes you say that, Ben?" asked Mrs. Mac.Ben scowled. "Because fathers don't treat people right, so I don't want one," he said angrily, but his eyes filled with tears. "You know what my father did? He left my mom and sister and me when I was five years old. Who wants another father like that?""Oh, Ben, I'm so sorry." Mrs. Mac was quiet for a few moments as she silently prayed for the right words to say. "Ben," she said at last, "we compare God to many things. But because God is perfect, no human example can ever describe Him properly." Ben still looked glum. "Ben, tell me about your mom," said Mrs. Mac.Ben's face lit up as he thought about his mother. "Mom's great! She loves me and my sister, and she takes good care of us.""Well, think of God as someone who loves you and cares about you even more than your mom does," said Mrs. Mac. "The Bible tells us that even if a mother forgets her child, God does not forget us. I'm so sorry your dad left you, but I want you to know that God will never leave His children.""Really?" asked Ben, hope shining in his eyes."Yes, really. God loves you so much that Jesus became human and died for your sins so you could have a relationship with Him. He wants to be with you through the pain your dad caused you, and He won't ever abandon you. Jesus came to save you so you could be part of His family forever." -Tanya Ferdinandusz