An earthly example of our Heavenly Father

When we think of God, our concept of Him is heavily influenced, and naturally so, by our experience with parents and other authority figures. Unfortunately not all people have a father who provided for his family or maybe he was negligent in protecting his family from the dangers of life. Pastors especially bear the ability to demonstrate the character of our heavenly Father. Most do well, but sadly some have been self serving or even abusive. I am very thankful that my Father and pastors were devout and loyal men who demonstrated, to the best of their abilities, the earthly concept of the divine father who created, provides, redeemed and protects. I share with you this e-mail tid-bit that demonstrates the faithfulness of our heavenly Father.
The legend of the Cherokee Indian youth's rite of passage to manhood:
The boy’s father takes him into the forest, blindfolds him and leaves him alone. He is required to sit on a stump the whole night and not remove the blindfold until the rays of the morning sun shine through it. He cannot cry out for help to anyone. Once he survives the night, he is a man. He cannot tell the other boys of this experience because each lad must come into manhood on his own. The boy is naturally terrified. He can hear all kinds of noises. Wild beasts must surely be all round him. Maybe even some human might do him harm. The wind may blow the grass and earth, and even thunder may have shook his stump; but he sat stoically, never removing the blindfold. It would be the only way he could become a man! Finally, after a horrific night, the sun appeared and he removed his blindfold. It was then that he discovered his father sitting on the stump next to him. He had been at watch the entire night, protecting his son from harm. We, too, are never alone. Even when we don't think it, our heavenly Father is watching over us, sitting on the stump beside us. "He who watches over you will neither slumber nor sleep." (Psalm 121:3)

Blessings+
Father Daniel