Natural Wonder
Theme of the Week: Be a Builder-Upper
Ben Patterson
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
 1 of 1
Key Bible Verse: How we thank God for you! Because of you we have great joy in the presence of God (1 Thessalonians 3:9). Bonus Reading: Titus 2:6-8
When my son Joel was 12 years old, we hiked into the Grand Canyon with a close friend. On our last evening we sat on the edge of the canyon munching on summer sausage, cheese, and crackers, and watching the majestic play of changing colors as the sun sank. Our conversation turned from the arduous hike earlier that day to deeper things—God and creation and the kind of girl Joel ought to marry someday. I was intensely aware of how much I loved this wonder of a son whose profile was outlined against the glories of canyon and sunset.
Pointing toward the canyon, Joel turned and said, "There's no place on earth that shows more of God's glory than this place!"
Ah! The perfect moment to say what was welling up in my breast. "There is, Joel," I said, "something that shows God's glory even better."
His eyes flashed, ready to debate the point. "Where, Dad?"
"Right here, buddy," I said, pointing at him. "This whole canyon doesn't add up to you. There's no canyon, river, mountain, or ocean that better shows the majesty of God than you, or any other human being."
—Ben Patterson in He Has Made Me Glad
My Response: This week I'll watch for an occasion to affirm my son or daughter.
Thought to Apply: There is no such whetstone to sharpen a good wit and encourage a will to learning as is praise —ROGER ASCHAM (English scholar)
Adapted from He Has Made Me Glad (InterVarsity, 2005) by permission.
Copyright © 2006 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine. Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity. 1 of 1
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Lord, please help me become a motivator of others by the way I affirm, patiently challenge, and encourage them.
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