“He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.'” Mark 16:15

The dark clouds grew thicker as the church clock on the wall ticked on. About 10 minutes before time the benediction, rain started to fall… each moment increasing intensity. As folks left, they had to make a decision. I always stand at the main exit to shake hands and say goodbye. But most folks decided to take the back exit, as it wasn’t as far of a walk to their car. That thought never even crossed the mind of my youngest grandson, Coast!

Looking right past me and out into the rain, Coast had only 1 mission…PLAY!!!! My daughter caught him by the hand and a small battle began to form. SHE wanted him to stay dry. My comment, “it’s only a little water!” did NOTHING to alleviate the tension in their tug of war. I left them to their battle of wills and prepared to leave. All was well, until I opened the door to a DOWNPOUR!! My words, “it’s only a little water!” did NOTHING to alleviate MY anxiety!

What is the difference between a young boy and a mature man? I think it’s priorities. What HE saw as adventure, I saw as an inconvenience. Mature folks can easily look upon the actions of youth and consider them silly…. or foolish. But how does OUR Heavenly Father see it?

I had been saved from the destructive storm of life by the mere words of ‘The Gospel.’ Someone dared tell me the story… and I believed! The excitement of Salvation immediately caused me to enthusiastically spread the Word to all. Sadly, I believe that now, in the mature years, I often do not EMBRACE the ‘foolishness’ of proclaiming His free gift, so enthusiastically! Can do something different!

At Christmas time, it is not hard to shout out… “Merry Christmas!” For now, the stigma of those words have been stymied and it’s O.K. But an idea has just hit me… what if?? Merry Christmas is a statement that might easily be considered a command. “HEY YOU…. HAVE A Merry Christmas!” What if I were to change my greeting to a question? What if I were to ASK, “Are you having a Merry Christmas?” Would that maybe open a door to a conversation to the Gospel?

It’s just a thought. But a good one, I think. It MAY be good enough to jar me from my dry, boring and safe maturity into an exciting adventure and opportunity for the King! But, as the storm of life blows hard against our darkened world, I shouldn’t NEED an excuse to trick me into talking about His Gift! Besides, He already GAVE ME His command a long time ago. “YOU…go into the world and tell them my story!”   Ahhhhh Adventure!!!!!

Are YOU having a Merry Christmas?