12 September 2005

A Children's Lesson - A Watchmacallit!

The following childrens' lesson was given on September 4 at Wilmore Free Methodist Church. As an illustration I brought along the 4 candies mentioned in the story. When this was given to the children in the first service they were sleepy. The children in the second service were not. They began to grasp for the candy bars. A slight problem, I only had 4 bars when there were 20 some kids. It looked like a scene from Louisiana with the kids representing the looters. After the prayer I had to urge them all to follow me out of the sanctuary. When we stopped in the vestibule I made my way to some candy that we've stashed away after Christmas Eve. I distributed a candy bar to all the little children. Morale of the story: always order extra candy for Christmas Eve.
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When I walk into a gas station I face a dilemma, a difficult decision. I have to decide if I want to pay for gas with my credit card or with my kids. I do face a dilemma; should I pick up a bar of chocolate?

Have you ever been with someone when they are in the process of making a decision and you find that it takes them forever? For some reason, it seems like it takes me a long time to make a choice. There are so many things that I'd like; Snickers, Reeses Peanut Butter Cups, KitKat, Yum, Yum.

I have a hard time because I wonder if I get this is it going to be what I really wanted? I have doubts, I second guess myself. More often than not I usually select one of my favorites the defacto choice for when you can't make a decision a Watchamacallit. I know I'll be pleased with a Watchamacallit, so when I've stood there for too long, I find it, and go.

This gas station experience is not brought to you by Hershey's. This gas station experience is similar to the rest of life. We have lots of choices and we become concerned that if we don't make the right choice we'll miss something. This leads us to second guessing and doubting, with little things and with big decisions.

You've probably heard your parents talking about Hurricane Katrina that has destroyed lots of homes in our country, and has swamped the city of New Orleans, maybe you've seen some pictures. There are people today who knew that the storm was coming yet they weren't sure what to do, should they stay in their house, or should they leave the city? Several mayors faced decisions as to what they should do and when. Today many of them are doubting, they are questioning if they made the right choice.

The Bible tells us that God has something for us if we'll ask Him Wisdom. The Bible says that if we ask God for Wisdom he'll give it to us. Now Wisdom isn't a magic wand, once you've been given it you'll make all the right choices, you'll get an A on all your tests. Wisdom makes clear a lot of questions and with a clear sense of direction wisdom brings peace. And that peace lets us sleep good and night and not doubt.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of wisdom and the gift of peace. Impart your gifts to these girls and boys that they may live confident and secure in your love for them and your world. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

well lets think shall we 20 kids u havent eaten in 2 or so hours plus free candy = you being mobbed and it was quite funny as i remember you walking down the isle with 20 kids jumping up and down following you.
Caleb B.