So What If I Miss Her?

November 15, 2022 by  
Filed under Daily Devotions

By Peter Lundell

I recently sent my daughter off to a very good private university with our church denomination, for which we got enough financial aid to afford this privilege.

She’s working so hard at her schoolwork, and now a part-time job on campus that she can’t come home this weekend as she had originally intended.

People ask if I miss her. Of course I do. And so does my wife and the dog. But that’s not the point. She’s experiencing what she needs to grow into a capable, strong, and mature person. Would I really prefer to see her at home lying on the couch?

It doesn’t matter that I miss her. It matters that she is in school starting the teacher education program, with the faculty and student community, and in the spiritual environment that are all best for her. There are a lot of great schools; I’m only saying this is the best one for her, and I hope every student gets into the school that’s best for him or her.

Any good parent sees beyond feelings. Good parenting, like good relationships, work, habits, life choices, faith in God—every good thing we do in life—is not based on how we feel but on what’s the right thing to do.

My missing her is irrelevant because she’s experiencing what she needs—in countless ways. And for that I am grateful.

Whether we like it or not, our spiritual life is the same. From what I read in Scripture and see in life, God is not particularly interested in how we feel about things but rather in what’s best for us.

You could ask if God the Father missed Jesus when Jesus came to earth. Same answer: It didn’t matter. Because Jesus came to do what was best, what humanity needed.

What will you give up or let go for someone else’s good?

“O Lord. Work in me to get over whatever feelings I have that keep me from doing the right thing, especially when it concerns other people. . . .”

“I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me” (Philippians 2:23–26 NIV).

About Peter Lundell

Peter Lundell, author of Prayer Power and other books, is a writer, pastor, and Bible college teacher. At www.PeterLundell.com you can see his books, subscribe to his inspirational “Connections,” and get free downloads of many articles, parables, and short stories.
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