A few years back, Lauren, my oldest was in her last year of college at Pitt State in Pittsb urg Kan sas. She called me one day while I was working at the church. After five years of college, she was ready to graduate. She had four of her six finals that particular week. She had been practicing for her piano proficiency, Senior Recital, end of semester jury and a few other things as well. So when she called, just out of the blue at a time when she is swamped and normally does not call, it caught me off guard.
“Daddy! I have made the most amazing discovery?” My mind began to race. What could it be: A school offered a grad assistant position? Maybe a scholarship for grad school or even admittance? One of her professors recommended her for…? Or better yet, A JOB! (a dad can hope after five years of college). By the enthusiasm in her voice, I knew it had to have been good, no, GREAT! I move the edge of my chair and awaited the news.
“You know Grandma Perkins’ Mac & Cheese she makes for the holidays and how good it is? Well, I have found the best substitute. Velveeta Shells Cheese Easy Mac (add water, microwave and eat)! That’s right, it is now microwavable! Isn’t that AWESOME???” my response was as I recall (though in my mind, not verbalized), “You’re kidding, right? That’s it? That is all you called for?”
“Yea! I just wanted to let you know ‘cause I though you might want to know. Gotta go now. Love you! Bye!” “Oh yeah, I only have to put my name on my first final and answer three question to pass. But, I answered six just to be sure.” And just like that she was gone.
Before I could say a word, the conversation was over. I was finishing a meeting with my Youth Minister, took this all important call (or so I thought) and in less than three minutes, the discovered had been revealed and she was done. I still do not think I got the full grasp of it all.
As a dad, I should be impressed that my daughter who was almost 24 years old, still calls home to report (with great excitement I might add) these discoveries that are life changing. And, she wanted to include mi in her latest finding.
As I still ponder this some 13 years later, I am reminded that it is no different with our relationship with God. When we discover good news, call Him, share the excitement with Him and praise and thank Him then share with others. What discoveries you may ask? Our salvation, baptism, call to ministry or maybe our love of a life time and matrimony, parenting (this is not just praising but possible crying out in despair), buying our first house, car, boat or RV. How about graduation from high school or college. There is always our first or next job or promotion…These are to just name a few and there are many more.
Jesus shared about a mansion in Heaven (John 14), a relationship with God (Gospel of John), greater rejoicing in Heaven a lost sheep being found (Luke 15), and a shepherd who know the sheep’s names. Again, there are so many more.
The point to this, just as my daughter was so excited to tell me something that excited her, maybe we should be that way with talking to God and telling Him what excites us this week, month or lifetime.
Now, I think I may go out and get some Easy Mac Cheese and Shells and see what all the hype is about.
Bro. Tim
