I remember, as if it were yesterday, my time as a young father and the variety of ways I used to get my children moving and into the car. Whether we were leaving for church, an athletic event or any one of the many family outings it was often three against one. When I finally rounded up two, the third was missing. I often remarked, “It was like herding buffalo.”
I usually kept my frustration in check but there were times…… Anyway, I began the practice of taking out my keys as I stood at the bottom of the stairs and would jiggle them loudly and with deliberate resolve. This gesture was meant to say, in no uncertain terms, it was now time to leave, no questions, no excuses and certainly no slacking.
Yesterday as my oldest son’s family, he also has three playful youngsters, was about to leave after a wonderful Thanksgiving visit, I saw him shaking his keys like his father did many years before. Full circle!
We read in the Bible of the apostle Peter who also went full circle in his relationship with Christ. He began as one of the twelve, expressed his unfaithfulness by denying the Master three times but again embraced his faith and became a steadfast servant and disciple of Jesus Christ.
Relive the night of betrayal as Peter recalls the words of Jesus,
“Immediately the rooster crowed the second time.
Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him:
‘Before the rooster crows twice
you will disown me three times.’
And he broke down and wept.”
Mark 14:72
He went on to write two of the inspired books of the Bible, 1 & 2 Peter. They are both letters, the first to the Christian followers being persecuted for their beliefs and the second to those being puzzled by false teachers.
If you stumble and fail, petition the divine Forgiver for mercy and forgiveness so you can also come full circle and return to the open and inviting arms of Christ.
That is the promise.
Acts 2:38
Image from www.newoldage.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/07/03/the-car-key-conversation/
Manna and Coffee 