November 1, 2019

Rerun from January 19, 2017

Carol’s grandchildren live out of town. But whenever the grandchildren come for a visit, Carol always makes sure they are in church on Sunday mornings. This is an email she sent me a few days ago.

Tom,

I didn’t know if I would see you tonight at the church dinner. I have a cute story about my granddaughter, Clara. Ever since Clara and Collier were little, Nana has taken them to Starbucks. Blake was so proud that his son would always point to the Starbucks signs!

I went down to stay with the kids this past week while their parents went on a trip. Sunday, we went to Starbucks before church. They always get toasted bagels with cream cheese and hot chocolate. As I was slathering Clara’s bagel with cream cheese, I told her that they say cream cheese has half the calories of butter. Then I said, “But who puts this much butter on a bagel?” Her response was, “Maybe Pastor Tom.” Guess she paid attention to the Children’s Sermon when you used the stick of butter as a prop!

You always wonder if they are really listening. Another time Collier was busy working on the children’s handout. You were talking about how you didn’t care what people wore to church. You just didn’t want to see their underwear. His head shot up and looked at Clara, “Sister, he said underwear!”

Have a great day!

Carol

Always remember little ears are listening, little minds are working, and little hearts are being shaped by what we say and do.

King Solomon said, “Train children in the right way, and when old, they will not stray.” (Proverbs 22:6)

Clara and Collier are on the right track, even if Collier is a little hung up on the underwear thing. What their parents and grandparents are teaching them today, will form who they are tomorrow. It matters.

Prayer: “Dear Gracious Heavenly God, I pray that I am always a good role model for what it means to be a loyal follower of your son. Guide my steps, thoughts, and words. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Even if they don’t look like it, children are always paying attention.

On another note, just to clarify the dress code for our church it is very simple: Cover up your underwear and no Ozzy Osbourne t-shirts. That pretty much sums it up.

I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.

Tom Robbins