Thursday, January 25, 2024

TUNNEL VISION!

 “And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” 1 John 5:20, 21. (NKJV).



“Remember, Cing. When we finish our shopping you'll get to choose one thing.” Her three-year-old granddaughter sat in the shopping cart swinging her legs, waiting for Grandmother to check the items off the list. Finally she chose.

“Love my gift, Grandmother. I’ll work in the garden with you.” She clutched a set of miniature gardening tools in her chubby hands and sang her song.   

      “A gardening we shall go, a gardening we shall go, hi ho 
     the cheerio, a gardening we shall...”

Folks smiled at the happy child commenting on her sweet nature and smiling face.

At the check-out counter, Cing stopped in the middle of the chorus.

“Reese’s,” she said. She tossed the garden tools to the side. “I want Reese’s.” She pointed to the beautiful display of her favorite candy--Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups on her eye level. Her waterfall of tears didn’t help.

“I’m sorry but we have to leave,” Grandmother told the lady working the register. “There are no perishables.” She lifted Cing and pushed the buggy out of the way.

The lady looked at her, smiled. “No problem. I’ll be happy to replace the merchandise.”

On their way out, a shocked Cing cut off the waterworks. “I’ll be good.”

“We’ll return again--another day,” Grandmother promised."

 She nodded, hiccuped. 

"I want the very best for you, Cing."

"'Cause you love me?"

"The most in the world." She knelt, opened her arms.

 Cing's lip trembled into a smile as she snuggled in--safe and secure.

Kingdom Thinking. Like Cing, I suffer from tunnel vision. I stand at the checkout counter of the world where a multitude of choices are visible. Good things promising to satisfy as well as obstacles--Cancer, disease, hurting people. The Lord Jesus gives me understanding He is the One True God. He loves me. He says, “Keep yourself from idols, child.” Sometimes He removes the situation but other times He takes me aside to wait for His Perfect Timing. How about you? Do you know He loves you?