Samuel’s most recent overnight stay spanned the time of his Daddy’s birthday.  Samuel was well aware that it was a special occasion, the 40th year celebration hadn’t missed his attention any more than it had the rest of the family, His Dad’s close friends and workout mates.  It was a week of special events, some of which did not include the almost 7 yr old.  He didn’t seem at all phased by his exclusion however, and managed what he does best at every instance, the freedom of being a happy child.

Within the scope of that description, Samuel felt it was necessary to come up with a good Birthday present for his Dad.  He’s a kid.  His priorities and values are based solely on his experience thus far in life.  He places value on the things available around him, that provide him with hours and hours of imaginative fun and occupation.  The irrigation system that provides intermittent summer water adventure wasn’t a viable option since it’s stationary and not portable.  The sticks he imagines that are swords and weapons and every other kind of protection to fend off unseen foes of every description were collected and put on the burning pile so they didn’t interfere with the next mowing of the lawn.  That option too was voided. 

Have you ever known a child that did not at some point gather rocks?  Me either.  And Samuel IS a normal child in every respect…including his fascination with rocks of every description.  Each one he collects has a special appeal.  The way it catches the sun’s rays and sparkles, or the pretty colors it displays or the shape that reminds him of some super hero, or a super hero’s enemy.  Rare is the visit that doesn’t include at least one examination of the finer points of some special find, to be added to the mounding collection.

So, it’s not without reason that he should choose to gather 10 rocks for his Daddy’s birthday.  Carefully selected, and placed into a plastic grocery bag for  presentation when he saw his Dad next.  He was so excited as he talked about how excited he was to give that present to his Dad. Not knowing what preceded the giving of that gift, I wondered if his Daddy would understand the significance, being a guy, and not having witnessed the care with which that present was created. 

I am waiting to hear.  So far, there were sad tears when Samuel discovered he had misplaced that white plastic grocery bag he was looking forward to giving to his Dad.

As I sit reflecting on that scenario, the thought crosses my mind how our relationship with our Heavenly Father is so like this little boy, earnest in his effort to present to his Daddy the very best birthday present ever, from what he had available to him at the time.  Others would look at that gift as without much significance, of little value, surely not worth much time or attention.  But, as I witnessed his excitement, and his anticipation, his thoughts of how much pleasure his gift would give.  How like us, as children of the Heavenly Father, bringing our meager offerings to the Creator God of the Universe.  Petty as they might be, I imagine He is smiling in love, just knowing we are trying, reaching out in our small way to connect with Him. 

As I mature … both in years, and in spiritual experience, I am conscious more and more of my need to broaden my understanding of God’s care for me, deepening my regard, respect, awe and worship of our Heavenly Father, who by His own plan and purpose, made a way for me, a small and insignificant bit of humanity to be adopted and become His very own.  Without any virtue other than the fact that His very Son paid for my redemption, I am now a child of the King.  Rich in every way that His own Son, Jesus, is rich.  The very best that I can give, just as Samuel is doing as a young child, is my love, respect, recognition of and honor to my Father, with the intention of doing everything I can today to please Him.