Licking the Cup

"You should not lick that," I thought with a little embarrassment.

My family and I were sharing communion together with the rest of our church at our Christmas weekend service. Communion is a special time of remembrance, repentance and connection to God. So as Spencer, my 6 year old son, licked the inside of his tiny plastic communion cup, somehow it seemed wrong.

I did not correct him or say anything ... and as I thought about it; I am glad I kept quiet. His action was one of innocence and even somewhat appropriate. He wanted every bit of the grape juice that his tiny cup had to offer. We can delight in every bit of what God has to offer us. As we seek after a friendship with Him, we will always be satisfied.

Spencer, keep on going after every drop.

Dirty Dishes

The sink seemed to always be full. It was not even supper time yet and I was enduring my second, time consuming task of washing dishes. This mundane task of scraping egg stained skillets, scrubbing pots, and rinsing off sippy cups and cereal bowls got me thinking of just how blessed I am.

I realized that I would not have all these dishes to wash if I had not been blessed with four great children and an incredible wife. Many of those dirty dishes started with a cherished family meal. The food around our table comes from that which God provides for us. But most importantly, the dirty dinnerware reminds me of the forgiveness and redemption God provides for my sinful life.

As I reflect on the birth of Jesus this Christmas, I am thankful God takes my dirty life and continually cleans it up. Cleaning up our lives is one chore God never sees as mundane. -- Merry Christmas.

Crash

My foot gave the pedal a little too much gas and it happened. "Oh no," my mind screamed as my car began to slide off the glassy slick parking lot and into the grass.

"AM I GOING TO HIT THAT TREE?! -- WILL I STOP IN TIME?! -- IS MY CAR GOING TO GET STUCK ON THIS CRUNCHY ICY GRASS?" ... My car did come to a stop, it did not hit the tree and I easily backed out off the grass . . . but in that moment, I was not sure what would happen.

The feeling of being out of control was at first exciting, then fearful and finally relieving when I knew all was safe. Our lives can sometimes feel that way. Circumstances come that are out of our control. Other situations may even tempt us to feel overwhelmed and walk in fear. During times like these, the only sure place to go to find peace and get guidance is with God. He always calms our fears and helps us put the circumstances of life into there proper perspective.

Besides, many of the stresses in my life come from hitting the gas pedal at just the wrong time.

Snuggling with Dad

"Dad, I want to hug you for awhile," my seven year old son said. As Elliott crawled up on my lap and snuggled in, my mind thought of the security and closeness we were sharing as father and son. Even though few words were exchanged, I knew the importance of these moments. No needs to be met or homework to go over, just being together.

I think this is how God desires to spend most of His time with us. Yes, He loves to guide us, provide for our needs and give us instructions that will better our lives; but I think He cherishes most the moments when we just sit and enjoy His presence.

I love being a dad and spending time with my kids ... and I think God does too.