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Recently, I read a story about an 11-year-old boy up north. He was eagerly looking forward to attending a friend’s birthday party. Days before the event, he and his mother had picked the perfect gift. They had carefully wrapped it. Friday night, all was ready for the occasion. But, Saturday morning, everyone awoke to an unexpected snowstorm. The blowing snow made driving difficult…almost impossible. However, the boy insisted.
“But Dad,” said the boy. “It’s not too far to my friend’s house. I could walk it in the snow. Besides, my other friends are walking there, too.”
Finally, the father agreed. So, the young man bundled up. Put the gift in his school backpack. And started off into the snow. It was tough going because of the blowing snow and icy sidewalks. At last, he made it. He climbed the steps and was about to ring the doorbell when noticed the receding figure of his father. His Dad had followed him all the way just to make sure that he arrived safely. His Father had kept his watchful eye on the young man.
This is a modern-day parable of an ancient truth. “The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those that do evil” (1 Peter 3:12).
In the story, the boy was growing up. His father wisely let him attempt the trip. The youngster could have fallen and gotten hurt but that is part of life. But the loving Father was with the son even when the boy didn’t know it. God is like that. He is with His Sons and Daughters – Christians who have chosen to enter the family of God.
Now, we are in a pandemic that none of us have ever experienced in our lifetimes. But as we face each day, know that God is with us. May the grace of God and the love of Christ and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit be with you always!
Larry Fitzgerald
Woodlawn Church of Christ
Abilene, TX