ENCOURAGING REMINDERS
Being transparent, I recently encountered my own doubts about my blog. I am certain that is a normal part of the process for many writers and bloggers. Without taking you down the long despairing road I simply doubted whether it was making a difference and wondered what the real efficacy is of blogging on a regular basis. That question was answered however, in the most unusual but powerful way for me this past weekend.
One of the Chaplains that I serve with at the Aliamanu Military Reservation (AMR) Chapel here in Hawaii, approached me this past Sunday just before our service began. He revealed that he had been reading my blog and found it enjoyable and meaningful. I was flattered to be sure but what struck the chord in my heart was his request to incorporate an element from a prior post into his sermon. While I was genuinely grateful and humbled, and expressed the same with heartfelt dignity, internally I melted into a puddle. Little did I know or realize that this brother in Christ was reading my blog and not only found it encouraging but wanted to weave it into his sermon. And though his reference veiled my identity, his reference to Kaydan was ultimately intended to bring glory to God. What more can I ask for? That my feeble efforts to write and blog in some way bring glory to God was exactly what I needed. How many of you wonder, if even often, if your efforts or time invested makes a difference? I assure you it does!
I am reminded of Paul’s words in Galatians 6:9, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up!” I am thankful once again that God brings moments into our lives to encourage and remind us that our efforts bear fruit as we continue to be instruments in His hands. And I pray that God brings a reminder into your life soon that your good efforts are making a difference! Thanks Rich, for your obedience and for being a conduit of God’s grace!
THE HAPPY MEAL BURGLAR
The time also came this past weekend to take our recyclable items to the local refund center. Unfortunately, Hawaii is one of those states that tacks on an extra fee for certain plastic and glass products. The process is simple but tedious and somewhat time consuming to return recyclable items on a recurring basis. Realizing there was some behavioral risk involved I “bribed” Kaydan to go with me with the promise of a Happy Meal, which is almost always a sure-fire and emphatic, “Yeah Daddy!”
As there is often a line at the recycle center, I wisely opted to buy Happy Meals first, one for Kaydan, and for brother Grayson at home. As I crested the hill, I could see a modest line of cars waiting in the street to turn into the center. I pulled up, parked in the street like everyone else, and dispensed a Happy Meal to an otherwise satisfied child. Several minutes passed and our turn finally came. I quickly parked and made short work of the recycling refund process. The van was within line of sight the entire time so I kept a watchful eye on Kaydan in the van by himself. In less than half the time we waited, I had cash in hand and we were on our way home.
Kaydan seemed particularly happy and seemed to still be enjoying his Happy Meal. Well on the way home I glanced in the mirror and noticed that he had a small box in his hands. My mind quickly computed that Happy meal cheeseburgers do not come in boxes. Chicken McNuggets however, do! I glanced at the empty passenger seat which earlier had held a second Happy Meal and came to the realization that while I was processing cans and bottles, Kaydan was burglarizing his brothers’ lunch! I quickly turned my head to see the evidence of two empty Happy Meal boxes laying between the two second row seats.
Kaydan seemed to be waiting for me to make the discovery of his culinary getaway. I playfully asserted, “You little thief! You stole your brothers’ lunch!” “Yeah Daddy!” came the boisterous and shameless reply. With that, he laughed with a delight that reeked of guilty innocence. I laughed too, and hard. And for many reasons. Frankly, Kaydan’s exploit was seemingly well-planned, well-timed, and well-executed. On one hand, I felt an odd sense of pride that my son exhibited cognitive ability like any other typical child. I am certain Kaydan is not the first sibling to steal his brother or sisters’ lunch! On the other hand, he so freely admitted his crime and with such genuine mirth that condemnation was not an option. And then the thought occurred to me, what if we were as free to admit our sins to a loving Heavenly Father? I am not suggesting that God would laugh at our sin, nor would he expect us to, but there was such freedom that Kaydan and I experienced in that moment as father and son. What if that kind of freedom is what God wants for you and I? What if that were possible? What if it already exists? And who knows? Maybe that question will show up in a different sermon next week, or in a conversation you have with someone about the grace and love of God.
As always, thanks for your continued and prayerful support!
Brad