Dad, You Are a Slice of God

My wife and I spent this past weekend visiting with, helping, and enjoying my father. He is 95 and his health is failing. As I gazed into his eyes I saw years of faithfulness to a calling he could not resist as a young man: ministry. He cared for the spiritual wellbeing of everyone he came in contact with. He still does.

After arriving home from the visit it occurred to me that he is an example of the very subject I write about: slices of God. Dad is a slice of God. He is not God, for he has a list of imperfections no shorter than ours. The difference is he has permitted God to access his being and use it as a channel for God’s spirit to flow to others, thereby becoming a representative slice of God (Romans 8:14-17).

Dad chose to live in grace. This is not an easy task. It acknowledges that each of us, though we are being regenerated by God’s grace, is still trapped in broken flesh in a broken world. Grace is something we choose to live into. And though our psyche throws brokenness in our faces daily, the choice is still ours. Dad chose grace. He still does.

Dad chose to walk by faith. I saw it as a boy. I see it now. In times of great need, Dad would say, “God will provide.” When times of indecision and uncertainty were upon us, Dad would turn in prayer to find guidance. He walked by faith. He still does.

Dad was thirsty for everything he could experience spiritually. He wholeheartedly sought to be full of the spirit of God. He wanted to be immersed in God. He still does.

Dad knew he could not accomplish great things on his own. When he sensed God calling him to evangelistic meetings, he responded with, “I can’t do that.” Then he heard a still small voice say, “I know, but I can do it through you.” When he sensed God calling him way out of his comfort zone to pray for healing for the sick, he responded with, “I can’t do that.” Again he heard God’s voice say, “Yes, but I can do it through you.” Dad relied on God for strength and power. He still does.

Dad practiced the presence of God. I vividly remember him on his knees early in the morning, entering into the presence of the Holy. He listened for the voice that had become so familiar. He lived in an awareness of God’s spirit flowing all around him. He still does.

Dad lived a life of servanthood. He carried a basin and towel, washing the feet of anyone in need. He would go out of the way for anyone, even if he knew his gift was being abused. I can remember his father doing the same. Dad followed in his footsteps. He still does.

Dad felt compassion for others. Even enemies. When he faced a threatening man with a knife at the front door, he spoke love to him instead of calling 911. Dad showed compassion for the directionless, the sick, the needy, and the lost. He lived a life of love. He still does.

My life has been graced by this man. So have many others. Thank you Dad for being a slice of God.

-Sam Augsburger