Crayons and Holiness
I woke up this morning to find my 2 year-old son Kore on the top bunk of his sisters' bed.
None of us knew he could climb up there on his own. We do now.
When my daughter Quinn, whose space had been violated by her younger brother's feat, found out about it, she said, "How did he do that? I'm seven, and I have trouble getting up there." Seizing the teachable moment, I replied, "You've got to remember, Sweetheart: your box of crayons is up there. A person can do very hard things when he really, really wants something."
My purpose, of course, was to cause her to think about the things that she wants, all the while watering the already-planted seed in her mind that, with the grace of God and by the power of his Spirit, she can do very hard things, too.
I'm not sure if it had that effect, but my words of encouragement did have a profound effect on me. (Funny how that works!)
And their effect has stayed with me all day: If I want holiness to be the primary mark of my life, then what hard things can I do? Things that I am not yet doing. Things that seem impossible. Things that would cause people around me to ask, "How did he do that?"
Things that would prove that I really, really want it.
kyle | 3 Comments
Reader Comments (3)
I'm working on what seems like an impossible task right now. Imagining how God will get the glory is a hugely motivating factor.
We love you guys! I'm so proud of Kore.
in my life, trying to figure out what's the difference in striving (competing, working so hard to get, busting my arse, selling the farm for) and receiving. seriously, it's a dilemma for me. how do i work out my salvation and receive the gift of eternal and abundant life at the same time. so much tension...
thanks for posting. btw, i dig the collar. really.