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Believing Without Seeing


“My class begins with the statement, Blessed are those who believe but have not yet seen. Because I am lucky enough to have seen.” Donald G.

I sat on the plane next to him. The older man who was hearing challenged so he shouted every time he spoke to me. He said things like, “I have had some bad coffee in my day but this may just be the worst.” Yes, I am sure, the whole plane heard. Honestly (and I know none of you have ever felt this way) I hoped he would not engage in conversation. But my hopes were squelched when he started. As I listened, my heart filled up. He shared how, 10 years ago, he lost his wife. He went on to say he had a 50-year-career with the navy and had just retired the week before. And, just last month, he reconnected with a bridesmaid from his wedding who was recently widowed. He said they fell in love, were planning a wedding and then would travel the world. He shared his love of Jesus, challenges with church, pastors he loves to listen to and how highly he thought of my line of work. Blessings pour out of squelched hope.

While in the Navy, his many travels allowed him to collect world items from every place mentioned in the bible. He shares those items and stories in a class he teaches. To start his class with a statement above, is in reference to the physical places the bible speaks about and he thinks so highly of those who believe who have not seen.

As parents, we have seen, we have walked the journey close to our Savior and distant from his touch (or so we feel at times). We know what it means to love, be loved and extend hard love.

Experience sometimes challenges our ability to ‘see.’ Or we define ‘seeing’ as experiencing tough times. Protecting our children from tough things could at times be our first reaction. This perspective is negative.

Children on the other hand can SEE. They have a perspective we wish we could remember. This week let’s see things from our kid’s perspective.

Take some time to interview your child(ren):

Start with asking them some of their favorite things.

Than ask them to describe God.

Who is Jesus?

Why did Jesus come to earth?

What does it mean to worship?

What does it mean to love others?

Why do you think God gave us the bible?

What do you think of the bible?

What is your favorite bible story?

I have done this before on a kid date. I have fond memories of sitting at In-n-Out burger interviewing one of my children while we sipped a chocolate shake! Next step is the tough one. Just listen. Or ask more questions. Don’t use this time to lecture. Let them be heard and then let your heart be softened to the sweet perspective of your children.

Whisper for the little ones: Say, “I pray you learn to believe in God.”

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