Stepping Over The Line

I went to bed with a heavy heart and an awfully sick empty feeling. One of my grandsons who spends a lot of time at our house has grown extremely familiar with my generally “whatever” attitude about following the house rules that my wife has placed in effect. Last night…He stepped over the line. After she told him…he was not allowed to play his violent and disgustingly brutal video game that day…I observed him doing just that. I gave him a one-minute warning to stop before I would turn it off. To which he responded, “as soon as I am finished”. At the end of the one-minute warning period…I turned off the power to his X-Box, which ignited a volcanic response. In one motion I grab him up and pinned him against the wall, explaining that breaking rules leads to irreversible consequences…many of which are extremely painful. After a “Yes Sir” response to the question “do you understand?” I released him. Apparently, that got his attention.

I prefer being the grandfather not the father. I fancy the warm fuzzy feel of being best buddies not the haunting responsibility of being a conscientious father, trying to raise up a God fearing child. I can only imagine how our heavenly Father feels when I step over the line. It really hurts and there’s no getting around it.

Forgive me, Father God, for ignoring your rules,
Even if done by scores of fools
I think now, I get it, through Your life-skill schools.

The choice to love can break a heart,
I must admit I don’t like that part,
But all in all, I think it’s smart.

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for the lessons learned,
Thank you for a grandson spurned,
Thank you for Your love…unearned.

Amen.

A Near Miss

Our shopping carts crossed paths, in what pilots refer to as a “near miss”. We almost crashed somewhere in the produce section near the apples and oranges. I spoke a one-word apology and as we exchanged smiles I felt a definite electric tingle pass through me. She was not the typical Wal-Mart shopper…she was stunning. Tall and slender with a classic pixie hairdo and wearing a red and white floral print sundress that left no doubt she was female. She was a perfect picture and I surmised she had the power to jumpstart anyone’s imagination.

Dumbfounded, I continued to gather groceries…then spotted her in the poultry department, later on aisle 5 and finally at the far check out counter. All the time I am thinking I should say something clever or pay her a nice compliment. Fortunately, I could not think of one intelligent thing to say…other than “Duh….”

I worry that somewhere deep down inside my soul that it is the devil making eyes at me. But, on the other hand I get the same electric tingle when I see a shiny classic car…like a 57 Chevy with lots of chrome, a West Texas sunset or newborn puppies.

Thank you, Lord Jesus:

For all the beauty You have made.
For the price that You have paid.
For so much more than I deserve.
So, Lord, teach me how to serve.

Amen.