Sunday, May 2, 2004

In you, O LORD, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame. In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; incline your ear to me and save me. Be to me a rock of refuge, a strong fortress, to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.
(Psalm 71.1-3 NRSV)

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I like Sam Levenson's story about the little boy who was heading off for camp for the first time. In the presence of the camp owner and two counselors, his parents were signing the necessary documents for the boy's admission. Watching all this was his younger brother, who finally looked up with tears in his eyes and asked his father, "Why are we selling Robert?" I trust that Robert knew he wasn't being sold. If there is one great need that small children have, it is to know that they have a place in the world--that they belong. Each of us needs to know there is something in our lives that is stable, secure. Home is where children learn trust and confidence. This is why they nearly drive us crazy sometimes with their need for attention.

A father put his little girl to bed with all the necessary ritual only to be called back into her room several times. Finally, after hearing a bloodcurdling scream, he rushed into her room and demanded to know what the problem was.

"I burnt my tongue," the child declared.

"You burnt your tongue?! How in the world did you do that?" the exasperated father shouted.

"I licked the night light," she replied.

That little girl wasn't just precocious. She needed to know she mattered, and she does matter. Everyone of us matters to our Father in heaven! People will fail us, but God is always there for us with love.

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Loving God, may we always be mindful that you are our eternal shelter. Amen.

Ron Newhouse

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