We gathered around. Smart phone cameras ready to roll. It was fun. It was cute. It was full of laughter and wonder. It was my grandson’s first year birthday party. Michael decided that cupcakes are a very good thing. It was rewarding to pass this marker on the journey. Speaking of journey, he is also taking his first steps. He will teeter around for five to seven wobbly steps at a time. It looks like he’s been imbibing something fairly strong in that sippy cup. Balance is lacking a bit but the potential is there and he is eager to cruise.
There is so much that Mike cannot do well yet. But I am not deterred by this. I can see the potential. He is family after all. I am very glad to invest in his growth and development. Putting up with some stumbles and tumbles is completely fine. Offering him a hand as he seeks to press on is not a chore to me. Wiping his tears when he gets hurt or frustrated is par for the course. Cheering him on is more than a hobby, it is a joyful occupation. There is so much in him that is possible and probable. Someday it will be riding a bike and learning to fish. Someday it will be…
One of our 5 D’s is Develop. We need to invest in the servants of God who are following in our footsteps. We invest in the development of children and grandchildren without hardly a second’s thought. Yet when it comes to developing people in our churches it is often a very different story that plays out. We often:
- Don’t see the value.
- Don’t feel we have the time.
- Know practically that we can do ‘it’ better and faster ourselves.
- Haven’t thought about how to go about it.
So we often simply hope upon hope that already developed people will just show up and then magically dive in with great skill and wisdom. But great skill and wisdom must always be developed by someone. Why not you? Take someone younger in their faith and service journey. Give them your time. Show them and teach them what others have shown you and taught you. Be the president of their fan club. Celebrate the markers. Give a hug, wipe their tears, and lift them back up when they stumble. Champion their potential. And maybe share a frosted cupcake.
Jeff