How Deep the Father's Love for Us

How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom


This is such a beautiful song with deep meaning. Our youngest girls are learning it. Anna, who is eight, can play it on the guitar. Last night, Anna, Joy(6), and Mary(4) were on my bed playing and singing it, and trying to teach it to me while I nursed the baby. Noah(2) was trying to sing along as he played with a Playmobil man on my nursing chair arm.

It was a lovely picture. It was one of those precious moments in motherhood that I would like to preserve in a bottle. Then I could open it when times at home with nine children do not feel so sweet. Or I could show it to myself when I doubt that all we do really matters in Kingdom terms. ("Seek ye first the kingdom of God!") I asked them to sing it over and over while I tried to learn all the words, and hang onto the living treasure.

Kendal and Kelsey have played this song on the guitar and piano together for months. Anna was the second seat/string guitarist, if Kelsey wasn't available. Now the younger ones can sing it alone. In this case, Kendal and Kelsey started a "good thing".

Steve and Teri Maxwell have always taught that parents should wet their children's appetites for the right things. Giving our children guitars, encouraging them to learn to play, and learning alongside them birthed a lovely season in our life. Kendal plays fluently and plays so that our family can worship nightly together, and even for friends who spend an evening with us. Kelsey and Anna also play well. Not to be outdone by Kendal, Anna practices regularly and enjoys playing for while we sing.

Our first guitar book was full of praise songs and hymns. Our second, and thus far, final book, is a larger book of worship songs. Not by accident, the guitar students in our home use their new talent to worship God. They won't be performing for applause, except the applause of Heaven.

It was heart-warming to watch the three little girls last night. I'd love to include a video here but attempting to record it would've tainted the sweetness of our family moment. : )

Most of all, I pray the rich words of such songs as "How Deep the Father's Love for Us" will be etched upon their hearts forever and that they will always cherish these memories of their childhood!