All We Like Sheep

One of the perks of being unemployed is having more time at home.  One of the perks to having more time at home is being able to help with the schooling of our children.

Drawing 101.  You don't expect a good Bible lesson to come out of this class, but here we are.  Gabe was working beside me, drawing a deer.  Very basic.  Following step by step shape connection.  I thoroughly enjoyed watching the process and celebrating the results of his effort.  In fact, though I can be a very profound thinker  (waxing philosophical or theological exasperates my wife), I love the simplicity of things.  Today I was reminded of how alluring the simple things are... 

I was working at the kitchen table, site of this morning's drawing class.  With the hoopla of school over, the evidences of said activity were still visibly obvious.  But I was minding my own business, when suddenly my peripheral vision was captured.  The lesson page was calling me.  Below the "deer" directions were  those of a lamb.  The notion suggested that I take a break.  Draw it.  So...I...did.  (I found that I am also drawn to things that have a succinct start and finish. I like results.)

I concluded my project in a matter of minutes.  Feeling quite satisfied with my elementary sketch, this image began to stir these words which now grace the border of my pencilings:

"We all like sheep have gone astray...I am the good Shepherd...My sheep hear my voice and I know them, and they follow Me."

We have gone astray.  We have all sinned.  We are all without excuse.  Jesus was the last sacrifice Lamb.  He became sin for us.  We have become the righteousness of God in Christ.  For He came not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.  Whoever believes in Him will not perish but inherit eternal life.

We have strayed.  He has come.  He has redeemed.  He is good.  He speaks.  We hear.  He leads.  We follow.

Astray.  Brought near.  In the fold.

Our Kids Make us Better

Last night I had the privilege of leading worship with a band comprised of five youth.  One of those youth was Lydia.  Having her on my team--working with her to prepare and fine tune our practice--was the greatest privilege of all.  

"I enjoyed leading with you tonight, Daddy," were her words on the trip home.

"I enjoyed it too, Lydie.  You make me better," were the words I heard come out of my mouth.  Didn't know that was coming, but I had formed those thoughts earlier that evening as we practiced as a team.  "Dad, that's not how we practiced it at home," or "Dad, that's not how you said we were going to do that."

(It bears noting that I was also slated to teach last night.  Our theme: Living Life as Worship.  We would focus on living every aspect of life for God.)

So here I was, There I was, in front of of the team with my daughter bringing some push back on my leadership in that moment.  How was I going to respond?  Was I going to live this moment for God?

Admittedly, my first split second emotion was, "How dare she interrupt!"  But as I looked over at her I recognized a crossroad.  Grace and Humility quickly motioned me their way and I gave in.  In those milliseconds I went from bristled offense to inviting, "Okay Lydia, what did I say and how am I doing it differently?"

She clarified.  I accepted.  The team was with us, and we continued.  That's when I thought, "Lydia is making me a better leader."  

Following rehearsal, I sought Lydie out to thank her for speaking up and to be sure we were good.  We were.

It's never easy to have someone correct us, especially those who are younger or in a seemingly lesser position than us, but I'm glad Lydia caught those inconsistencies in practice; I'm glad she spoke up (speaking up is certainly one of her strengths).  I love who God has made her and who she is becoming by His grace.

She is making me a better Dad, a better leader, a better person.  As I know He is using  me to make her a better person, daughter, friend and leader.

Who are the people God is using Today to make you better?  I encourage you to write down a name or two that come to mind.  You might even take a moment to let them know--a quick text, a Facebook message, a call or the ancient practice of mailing a card!  I have found that thanking and affirming others brings joy to the heart and strengthens the faith of others.

Daddy's Girls: Road Reflectors
Dusk had faded into nightfall.  The stretch of road was short yet winding as we made our way back to the highway from the church.  Abby and I were on our way home from a Monday night program when she asked, "What are those lights on the road?"  

The road before us was curvey.  Thick double lines meandered ahead of us.  From amidst this imposing stretch of fresh yellow paint came some curious, bright orange "lights" shooting their gaze our direction as we wound our way.  Being observant and quite curious, Abby was captivated.  "What are those lights, Daddy?"  

"What lights, Sweetheart?"

"Those lights on the road," she said very matter-of-factly as though I should know what she was talking about.

"Those are reflectors," I said. "They reflect light and help us see where the boundaries are on the road."  

With quick deduction, Abby continued, "That way people won't get hurt so much".

"That's right.  They serve as boundaries so that people won't get hurt.  They keep people from crossing over into the path of other cars so they don't crash.  Boundaries are important aren't they?"  

"Yeah."  

End of conversation.  Seed sown.  Reference point established.  Yet another analogy for discussing the importance of logical, loving limits in life.  

I filed this new take with some of the others: the banks of a river, portion control in eating, out-of-bounds markers in sports.  And I thanked God for this simple teaching moment that connected ever so practically with my child.  We just can't plan these things!

Two Guys on a Log: A Cash Fish
I love reading to Gabe out of his Bible.  The stories are shortened.  The main points become much more poignant.  This morning, the disciples had a dilemma.  Taxes were due.  Others assumed that this bunch of Followers must be all about dissing the Emperor since they were turning everything else upside down.  But Jesus says (paraphrased from another account), "Give Ceasar what belongs to him, and to God what is His."  And Jesus works another miracle by providing the needed coinage in the mouth of a fish!  God provided even something as "worldly" as taxes.  He cares.  He provides.  And nothing--no need--seems to be out of His concern for those who trust Him.