What's Really Important

“The Father is a merciful God, who always provides comfort when we’re in trouble, so that we can share the same with others in need.” ~ 2 Corinthians 1: 3-4

Callie watched intently as her father entered the room.   Humble innocent blue eyes were frozen in fear; a ghostly sallow consumed her tiny face.  Nervous twitches provided the only sign of movement in the now completely-silent room.   Her size, her age, her terror - left her completely vulnerable.  Something bad was about to happen and she wondered if her young heart would actually stop beating.

Kyler sensed it too.  He saw from a distance what his little sister had done.  His fear was equally debilitating.  A surprise rush of adrenaline left him stunned.  The air got thin; breathing became more difficult compressing his chest and preventing any intelligible words to break free.

Callie had really done it – the toddler had opened her father’s brand new Bible and scribbled all over the first page with a bright blue Sharpie.

Their eyes never left his as the children waited for Callie’s punishment.  Their Dad picked up his prized Bible, looked at it carefully and then sat down without uttering a sound.  Books were precious to him; one of the few places remaining where a man’s mind can find both exercise and relaxation.  He cherished the notion that books allowed you to examine delicate thoughts without breaking them; where impulsive concepts could be explored without consequences.   Decorating, to him, meant simply adding more book shelves.

What he did next was remarkable.  Instead of scolding or yelling or punishing Callie, their father took the Sharpie from the little girl’s hand, and then wrote in the Good Book himself.  Alongside the scribbles that she had made, this is what their Daddy wrote: 

“Callie’s work, 2012, age 3.  So many times I’ve gazed into your warm, beautiful eyes looking up at me and thanked God for the one who scribbled in my new Bible.  You’ve made this book sacred as is my love for you and your adoring brother.”

The Bible became a treasured family possession - tangible proof of a parent’s love for his children.  By his own example, he taught his children a powerful lesson: to use things, not people (and never vice versa); to be patient not judgmental; to show love rather than anger.

We’ve all seen too many You-tube examples of out-of-control coaches, fans, parents and the like. We adults have a profound responsibility to show children how to manage their anger.  Kids who live in peaceful homes and shown by adults how to deal effectively with problems grow up happier and better adjusted.  Young people will hear what you say . . . but believe what you do!

Lord, speak to me!  My anger will not achieve Your work.  Help me become still when my emotions feel out of control.  Channel my energy instead to work through problems in a constructive way.  In the powerful name of Jesus, Amen.