Naive

I would recommend not confusing naive and love. I have heard twice recently, that "Christians are naive or simple." Now some of us may be; there are plenty of simpletons around; however, I do not think being a Christian is what classifies one as such. As I began to think about what Jesus might say to such a comment or similar report, a thought crossed my mind. I think Jesus would have been born as a human baby boy in a manger to a lowly Jewish family in a corrupt and declining world even if no one would accept Him. Is that naive? Some might say yes, but I don't think so. I just think He loves that much, that big, that great; He is Love not naive. Let's not be naive ourselves. Everyone is placing faith in something; and I would contend that faith in something everlasting, purposeful, and consistent is intelligent, ingenious, and substantial rather than naive. Christ is love and desires relationship; it may be simple but it is much more than naive. Truly, Merry Christmas and may Jesus be blessed; this season is only because of Him.

Good

Once again, Josiah and I are closing out the day by spending time talking about our experiences when he asks me, "Dad, why did God make bad guys?" An interesting question. As I understand my boy's current phase of growth and his deep desire for justice, which causes him to fight the "bad guys," rescue the victim, and help those in need throughout his playtimes, I perceive his struggle with this ongoing, seemingly never ending, battle. Yet, it is the right fight, an honorable struggle as we desire good and right doing in ourselves and for others. And one day, it will be over; Truth will be known by everyone. Which side will I have fought the hardest? Finally, for the record, God did not make "bad guys," He made men and women who can make choices, and He gives them grace and mercy. Remember to do good.

Answer

I was prepared. I had formulated an answer that would lead my good boy to Truth. We had just finished our nightly ritual of brushing teeth, racing for the bed, reading a book, and prayers. I asked Josiah if he remembered the question he asked me the night before, and he seemed blank. So, I said, "You, know. The question, 'How do you get a book to....?"  "God," he said with a big grin. "Oh, Dad, I figured it out," he replied. So, I asked, "Really; how?" He explained, "Well, you know that thing they pass around in big people's church, that bag with the sticks on the side? Well, I will sit with you and mommy and when that comes around, I can just put my book in there, and they will get it all the way up to God!" I was humored and pleased by my boy's analysis of the situation. He answered well, with his knowledge of this world. We went on to discuss that many times we give gifts of money, time, possesions, and words to God by giving them to others, and that's how God works many times. Now, Josiah wants to give his book to his buddy Ben. I love how God grows us when we truly seek Him.

Question

Every night before bed, my son and I read a book or two. He loves to read (or "read the pictures"), and he loves books. Well, the other night he posed the question, "Dad, how do I give God a book?" I needed clarification and I reacted,"Huh?" Josiah continued, "I want to give God one of my books; how do I get it all the way up there?" As it was late, and I wanted to answer the question well, I told Josiah that I would think about it and we could discuss it tomorrow. As I thought more and more on my response, I pondered the thought that maybe God does the same thing when we ask Him a question (Not that He is unprepared or doesn't know the answer). But maybe, He is not saying "No," rather He wants us to wait and trust Him.

Simple

So, my four year old son and I were finishing dinner at the peninsula of our kitchen, and I asked him a question. I said, “Josiah, what is one of your favorite things about God?” He replied with purplish-blue teeth and lips, “He did good on these blueberries.” As I laughed, pleased and proud of his understanding, I wondered why so many times I just do not get it. So many times, I can not see one day in front of my face, nor one day behind me for that matter. I do not always expect goodness from my Creator, nor remember the good He has done. I have fallen into the lie that this life is mine, and therefore I have to work all things out for good. We become, I become, mistaken. As if following my thoughts, my son, my four year old boy, asked me a question, “Dad, why don’t people believe in God?” I paused, trying to put my thoughts into union with a four year old mind, and then he answered his own question with a question, “They don’t know how good He is?” God is so good; it is all only because of Him and for Him.

Experienced

So, me and a friend are speeding into the harbor to out run an electrical storm. The waves are getting bigger and choppier; the wind is getting quicker, and the rain is getting fatter. We are close and not as nervous as we were still five miles out wondering if we were going to make it in time. Then, to our surprise we spot a sailboat coming out of the harbor into these terrible conditions, but why? As the three older gentlemen dressed in their traditional yellow slickers begin to pass us on our right, they wave heartily as if the joy of heading into this maritime chaos was coming straight out of their hand. Then, I will never forget, the oldest of the three looks me square in the eye, smiles, shrugs his shoulders with hands out and palms up! It was as if he said, "Come on you young bucks, you are missing out on the fun," or "You're going the wrong way; you've got it all wrong; let's take an adventure." The more I thought, the more I understood. He knew the skies; he understood the waters; and he used the wind. He had the experience and seasons to provide confidence and faith in a way that reminded me of God. He just somehow knew it was going to be great!

Sick

So, didn't feel so well after work last night....but it really hit me this morning. Sick. Even started off to work, but just couldn't do it. You ever really not like being sick? I've always disliked being sick...at first. However, in more recent years, it always seems to lead me to a place of contemplation, then to humbleness, then to thankfulness, and finally to focus and resolve on many of the things that have been twirling around in my life that I thought I was moving fast enough to handle. But once again it wasn't me; it isn't me; it won't be me. It was Him; it is Him, the great I AM. So, yeah, I have not yet learned to embrace being ill at the get-go, but I'm slower to be provoked with the whole process. I depend on Him.