3/1/24

“As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects their heart.” Proverbs 27: 19

“What do you want to be when you grow up? “The question was kind of funny, I mean I am 56 but the question from my 7-year-old friend had a real earnestness, the kind of question that deserved real thought. I deflected for a moment and asked, “what do you want to be when you grow up?” I wasn’t ready for the candid response I got, “I already know what I want to be, but let’s get back to you.” I had to laugh but my friend just looked up at me waiting. I was put on the spot by a 7-year -old.

I was going to quip, maybe an international man of mystery and wealth but I knew he wasn’t in the mood for my usual silliness. I began to think about my years in ministry, how I loved being a student pastor and the great times I had leading youth groups. I thought about the opportunities I thought I would never get to lead churches and preach to congregations. I thought about how much I love coaching and the teams I have led, some big wins and some seasons that our record didn’t reflect the quality of our team. But none of that really captured who I wanted to be when I finally grow up. My friend patiently waited for an answer, and I finally gave one, I want to be a great dad, a good husband, a friend who can be counted on and a man that people look at and see a reflection of Jesus. We sat there for another minute in silence and then my friend said, “man you have a lot of work to do if you want to grow up and be Jesus.” So true! How about you? What do you want to be when you grow up?

B-Lo