"But I Have to Be Doing Something!"

     My son-in-law, Sean, and I were working on a small room addition, wading through the mud as we put the sill plates in place.  Connor, my grandson, came out and said, "Dad, I want to watch you work."  Over the next few minutes, the three year old watched and asked questions of his father.  All of a sudden he stated, "Dad, I'm bored watching you." 

     "Okay, then go in the house with Mommy and play," replied Sean. 

     With a little hint of frustration Connor claims, "But Dad, I'm bored watching you."

     Sean answers, "That's fine.  You can go in and play."  This kind of exchange goes on for about a minute with Connor becoming more frustrated each time.

     Finally, Connor exclaims, "But Dad, I have to be doing something!"  What he had been saying all along was that he was tired of being a spectator and wanted to be involved.  Wisely, his father brought him inside the foundation and gave him a couple of tasks suitable for a three year old.  As Connor went about these tasks his dad would praise him for the work he did.  A while later, Connor wanted to see how a wood chisel worked and I was pleased to show him.  Then he asked if he could try it.  Since grandmas don't like telling their grandsons "no,"  I responded by telling him he must ask his dad.  Realizing that a 20 ounce hammer and sharp wood chisel were not the appropriate tools for a three year old, Sean told him, "Not today."  Not today . . . but I know my son-in-law well enough to know that when the time is right he will teach his son how to use a hammer and chisel, and he will teach him to do it to the best of his ability.

    Can you imagine the lessons taught here being put to use in the church?  Can you imagine babes in Christ watching their older brothers and sisters diligently at work in the kingdom?  Can you imagine their desire to work growing to the point that they proclaim, "But I have to be doing something!"?  Can you imagine the wisdom of church leaders in harnessing this energy and focusing it by providing tasks appropriate to the new one's talents and maturity?  Can you imagine the church praising the efforts of the new worker rather than looking for something to criticize?  Can you imagine if those who were more mature in the faith gently came alongside the babes, helped them develop their talents, and followed this with the encouragement to always work to the best of their ability?

     Brothers and sisters:  Dare to imagine.  Dare to make it real.

-J. Watson