Firsts A few weeks ago my computer died, at least that’s what I thought and was told. I went on vacation and upon returning received word that, instead, it was merely in a coma. The problem was not as serious as originally diagnosed, so I got everything back that was needed, at least until I can afford to purchase a new, more dependable computer. Until then, though, my prayer is that this one holds out for a while longer at least.
So, this edition of Soulscape is dedicated to Firsts. This is the first newsletter since getting my computer back (truly not a very noteworthy thing, but necessary for the theme). This week my first son had his first day of first grade.
My wife is starting her first year as a first grade teacher. While on vacation my son and niece achieved their very first holes-in-one in miniature golf. And then today my younger son, for the very first time, “went number one†in the potty.
These last couple of items are the ones I’d like to focus on. While in South Carolina on the campground’s miniature golf course, I’m sure the people around us thought we’d just found a gold mine. It was thrilling to see my six-year-old son and our three-year-old niece swing their clubs and watch their colored golf balls sink into the cup after the first swing of their club. We made a huge ruckus, yelling, hugging, congratulations all around, telling them how proud we were of them. I believe their achievement didn’t mean as much to them as did the fuss we made over them.
Today, as my 23-month-old reached this milestone of renal function, I made a similar show of excitement. He doesn’t say much (he’s a bit slower than his brother was at talking, though being the son of a preacher, I’m sure once he really gets going he’ll never stop), but I could see in his reaction and in his eyes that he was thrilled, and that Daddy making such a fuss over the event really made his day.
As we get older, there seem to be fewer firsts; at the very least, there seem to be fewer positive firsts. But that is not to say we don’t have them. In fact, spiritually speaking, we need to remember that we’re still children, and our great heavenly Father is watching over us, encouraging us, helping us, and keeping us focused and able to learn.
I couldn’t help thinking during these many firsts that God probably feels the same way about us. It might be something very small, insignificant, perhaps even trivial in the eyes of others, but He is nonetheless thrilled when we reach those goals. The first time we remember to trust the Lord at the beginning and not the end of a problem, the first time we take that deep breath and witness to someone, the first time we make choices for others above ourselves for the good of their souls, I think God is clapping and cheering us on. I think He is genuinely excited for us, and I believe this because of the blessing I experience in my heart at those moments.
But there is something different that comes into play when dealing with us and dealing with the Lord. I remember when my older son achieved those small steps in his development: using the potty, first words, first steps, using utensils to eat. As time passed, my pride in him never lessened but my praise of these things has indeed fallen off somewhat.
When he leaves the bathroom, I no longer jump up and down and yell, “GOOD BOY! BIG BOY WENT POTTY!†at the top of my lungs. When we go to a restaurant I don’t tap the shoulder of the man at the next table and say, “See that?
Fork AND spoon! And only six years old!†Those were necessary developments, but they don’t seem like much now.
With Christ, though, it’s different. No matter how many times we learn or practice a deep spiritual truth, no matter how often we live the Christian life and truly show our testimony for the Lord, He is always proud of us. He always rewards us, always lets us know that He’s there, He sees, He cares, and He’s proud of us. I think it’s our duty as children of God and part of His family to give that same kind of encouragement to our fellow-believers. We need to have that support, the knowledge that we are part of something special and that people (ad the Lord) are proud of us. That positive reinforcement can go a long way in keeping us energized for the Lord’s service.
So, the next time someone does something positive, be it for the first time or the thousandth time, be sure to thank them, acknowledge the event and the effort, and let them know you care. In truth, it is always a big deal, and in the grand scheme of things, it is not so much about what is done, but the one who does it. They’re worth it, because Jesus died for them, too. Until next time, my friends, thanks for reading, and may God bless you and use you to be a blessing to others.
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