Truth

June 2, 2023

I was a student in graduate school, but before leaving home that summer, my dad and I had a few disagreements. We were not exactly estranged, but we were not talking. It felt terrible to be out of sync with my dad because he was my father who'd always loved me and done so much for me.

Yet in my struggle to individuate as a man, I had to establish boundaries he did not like. At twenty-one, I was not following his advice on some crucial decisions, so he withdrew in anger.

From my apartment at school, I called my mom long distance each week for our usual chat. It was still painful that I was not speaking with my dad. But one day in late autumn, the call to my mom was different. My dad got on the phone. I suppose he was talking about many other things, but three words he said were so powerful that they healed our relationship immediately. Those three words were, "I love you."

It took humility and grace for him to say those words. They are the only words I recall from that conversation. Yet those three words, when spoken in truth, are so very powerful. They opened the way for our relationship to continue anew.

Inquiry: Have you ever spoken those words when it took humility?

Dear God,

Thank you for my dad's humility when he reached out in truth. I pray for that same humility in healing my relationships. Amen.

Make peace with your ego and discover your true path today. We will share Dr. Howell's full daily reflection and prayer on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. To receive the full week, please complete the form below to begin your journey into who God has made you to be. The path to wholeness starts now!