When I Grow Up?

Being a husband and father of three has given me opportunities to share stories of faith, hope and love with you all. Is my marriage and family life perfect? When you walk into my home, will you see a "Walton Family Thanksgiving" or a "Very Brady Christmas"? Probably not. You will more than likely find a mom and dad figuring out the weekly budget, folding laundry, cooking dinner, while some serious sibling rivalry is going on between my two daughters. Let's not forget my son, who has a collection of railroad tracks the span the entire city block, dumped all over my living room.

Recently, my wife (Kristin) and I had the privilege of entertaining our Associate Pastor and serving him a nice meal at our home. I worked all day to make sure our house looked somewhat decent for our guest. When all was said and done, we had a delightful dinner and shared many stories together about our faith journeys. Shortly after our guest exited, I realized it was way past the childrens' bedtimes and after all that lasagna, I wanted to pass out. Besides, when this dad gets tired, he can sometimes become (Grouchy) as my bride would say.

Feeling inspired by the Holy Spirit, Kristin wanted to read scripture in our new prayer corner with the whole family. I love the scriptures and prayer time, but it was getting a little late, and I really did not want anything to do with this until the family was well rested. Perhaps tomorrow will work better? Mother would have nothing to do with that mindset, and asked Emma to retrieve her Children's Bible. My daughter chose to read the "The Blessing of the Children" in chapter 19 of St. Matthew's Gospel. My other two children looked less than interested, just because fatigue from the day just set in. When Emma finished reading the scripture, Kristin asked each child to go and find something in the house that would be an example of Jesus' Gospel message, that we just read together. Quite frankly, I felt this would take my kids a little longer than usual and I wanted to go to bed.

In five seconds, my oldest daughter brings us a miniature statue of St. Katharine Drexel. I replied,"What does that have to do with this message?" Madelyn answered, "Dad!!!!! Katharine Drexel worked with the native children." Oh Yeah? How could I forget. Then Emma returned shortly after, with a prayer candle that had Jesus on it. Given she is only eight, I accepted that. Now Jacob was nowhere in sight for quite awhile. I was in fear that he may dump all his toys and make my house a landmine of Legos for all to step on. After five long minutes, he appeared with a baby doll. JACOB WAS LISTENING to the Gospel! How does a three year old get that?

So all night and in the morning I was on cloud nine thinking of my son's quest for the baby doll yesterday. After talking with my wife, over a hot cup of joe, I mentioned how awesome that Jacob knew enough to get a baby doll. Kristin replied," Of course he did, I told him to go find one and bring it back to the table." Not the answer I wanted to hear. Jesus said, "Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such of these." Matthew 19:14

The scripture we shared the night before was read for my sake. How can I enter the kingdom of heaven if I cannot see through the eyes of a child, and for that matter, my own children. Just a little reminder from our Lord to seek Him always, and do so through the eyes of His children. So growing up is a lifelong process in which we need to embrace and become children of God, while holding dear to our hearts, the love of Christ and all that He embodies.

Lord, When I finally grow up, help me to be more like You, sharing the Good News and being a light of Your love to all. Amen