I had one of those moments the other day, I think it is called an epiphany, where suddenly life clicked in a new way. My son Reagan is almost 4 and is in a stage of life where he loves to help even with the most menial tasks around the house. I don’t care what it is: from vacuuming to washing windows he wants to be involved. He especially loves to use the spray bottle which causes a clash with me since that is my favorite part as well! Anyway, the other day I was taking out the trash and as usual Reagan quickly put on his green “rubber frog boots” so that he could help. Quite honestly my first thought was, I cannot wait until he is big enough to do this on his own so that I do not have to! As we walked out back (both carrying a white trash bag by the cheap red straps) I began to fantasize about Reagan also being old enough to cut the grass. As I considered how great this would be I had the epiphany. I began to think…why is it that Reagan is so enthusiastic (and this is not an understatement—he dances and jumps while flailing his arms when he hears that it is trash time---me, well, not so much) about something so menial? As I pondered this for a moment I considered all of the things that he loves to do and it hit me… it was just one of those moments that God clearly speaks to something deep inside you! I realized something….. the reason that Reagan is so excited to take out the trash is because he gets to do something with me!!! At this moment I was hit with two major realities. 1. I have a son who wants to be with me. Quite honestly, there are many times that I do not even want to be with me. This was quite impactful to say the least. Alright—I am sure at this point if you are still reading this you are saying—wow Brad, this was the great awakening!? This was your special moment? How obvious! Maybe so, but you know how some things that are routine just hit you in a unique way and you walk away changed… Anyway. 2. The other thing that hit me was this idea….I get to do things with God! Follow me here: Honestly, I cannot say that I like to serve. The Bible has much to say about the importance of serving and honestly I viewed serving as more of spiritual a discipline than something that I get to do. At that moment reality hit me that the joy of serving results from me recognizing that I get to do something with and for God. We get to spend time together. This has changed some of the menial tasks of the Christian life to say the least. Maybe this is why Reagan will hate to take out the trash one day. We think that it is because he will be older and less interested, but maybe it is because dad will quit going with him….who knows!
Brad
