This summer my oldest daughter celebrated her 21st birthday! She is now heading into her final year of college, majoring in early childhood education. It led me to recall a devotion I wrote when she was about five years old. Maybe it will bring you some smiles as you serve the Lord today!
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Somewhere between a bite of mashed potatoes and a gulp of milk, our daughter decided to inform us of her future plans for life, “When I grow up, I want to be a hospital!”
My daughter wants to be an institution! What can I say? She aims high! I realize I should probably have a talk with her regarding this lofty goal. I can almost hear what that conversation would sound like. . . .
DADDY: Sarah, I want you to know that I think it is great to have high expectations. In fact, God’s Word says that we can do all things, through Christ, who strengthens us.
SARAH: I know that, Daddy.
DADDY: But as you aim high, there are some things you should know. First, when you think about your future, always ask God to help you decide. He wants what’s best for you and he knows what that is. Ask him if he wants to make you an institution.
SARAH: What’s an institution?
DADDY: Well, it’s like a, umm . . . a hospital! Anyway, whatever God wants you to be is wonderful—whether it’s an institution or inspiration. But don’t worry about your future. God will do great things through you. Worrying about it tells God we aren’t trusting him.
SARAH: I’m not worried, Daddy.
DADDY: No matter what you are when you grow up, you will be important in God eyes, and in my eyes, and in your mother’s eyes. We will always love you! But if God does bless you by making you an institution, I hope you will stay humble, like Jesus. The Bible says to brag on Jesus, not on ourselves. Without him, we can do nothing. Oh, yes, there is one other thing: when you try things, sometimes you will fail. Don’t panic! You can learn from your failures. Just keep trying and counting on Jesus’ help. He kept going toward his goal of the cross even though things got rough.
SARAH: Hey, is this one of your sermons?
DADDY: I don’t think so. (Pause) Sarah, if you want to be a hospital and if God wants you to be an institution, that is wonderful! If God brings it about, he will bless you and help you achieve whatever goals you and he decide on.
SARAH: That’s great, Daddy, but I didn’t mean I wanted to BE a hospital. I meant I wanted to work in a hospital—like a nurse or doctor. Can I pleeeeeease go out and play now?
DADDY: So you don’t actually want to be a hospital? (Sarah shakes her head.) Well, then I guess you can go out and play. But, Sarah, you might want to remember this little talk and all these little gems as you make more and more decisions in life.
SARAH: Daddy, I’m only five years old! (Running out the door) Bye, Daddy! (Running back in) I love you bunches!
DADDY: I love you, too, Sarah! By the way, what are you going to play?
SARAH: Nurse and doctor.
DADDY: I think we should have another talk tomorrow!
NOTE: Sarah has recently changed her mind and plans to be a school, I mean a teacher!
Vintage Tim—and at his usual best! You can contact him at TimWrite@aol.com or on his website, www.FoolishWords.com.
The editor
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