This meditation is from my grandson’s devotion book, The One Year Devotions for Boys, December 30th, Tyndale Publishers, copyright 2000 by The Children’s Bible Hour. He read this to me a few nights ago when I was at his house, and I thought it would be worth passing on. It contains a valuable lesson for us at any age.
————————
When John’s mother made him shut off a violent program on TV, he headed for his room, muttering angrily to himself. “I hate being a kid,” he growled as he climbed into bed. “I wish I was grown-up so I could do as I please!” It seemed only a moment later when he heard footsteps. “Is that you, Mom?” he asked.
A shaky voice answered. “No. My name is Father Time, and I understand you want to be older. I can make you any age you want to be.”
John couldn’t believe his ears! “What luck!” he murmured. “I think I’ll be 21.” Immediately he found himself in the middle of a battlefield! Bullets whizzed around him as he begged to move on to a different age.
Father Time agreed that John could move on if he wished. So he tried being 40. That was even worse! He found himself at his mother’s funeral! After again begging to go on, John saw that at 50, he was a cross, worried businessman with no time for pleasure. “This is awful,” grumbled John. “Can I be 65? I should be retired then, so I can take it easy.”
Father Time again granted his wish, but, alas! Instead of enjoying his retirement, John found himself sick and dying. “I don’t want to be here!” he cried. “I want to go back. I want my mother! Mother! Mother!”
The next thing John knew, Mother was beside him. “I’m here,” she comforted. “You must have had a nightmare.”
John was shaking, but he was so relieved! “I did,” he said, “and you know what? I found out how good I’ve got it. I’m glad I’m a kid.”
HOW ABOUT YOU? Are you eager to grow up? Don’t be in such a hurry. Remember that every age has both advantages and handicaps. With God’s help, let Jesus be the Lord of your life. Then you’ll be content, and you’ll get the very best out of life, no matter what age you are.
*********************************************
Hebrews 13:5b — Be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
Philippians 4:11b-13 — I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
I Timothy 6:6 — Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
*********************************************
THE SERENITY PRAYER
(original version, later adapted and popularized by AA)
-
- God,
- Give me Grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed,
- Courage to change the things which should be changed,
- and the Wisdom to distinguish the one from the other.
-
- Living one day at a time,
- Enjoying one moment at a time,
- Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace,
- Taking, as Jesus did,
- This sinful world as it is,
- Not as I would have it,
- Trusting that You will make all things right,
- If I surrender to Your will,
- So that I may be reasonably happy in this life,
- And supremely happy with You forever in the next. Amen.
–Reinhold Niebuhr, American theologian, (1892-1971)