BOYS WILL BE BOYS

When my son was a toddler, his father and I took great pride in photographing him whenever and wherever we went. We would visit the Botanical Gardens, the Bird Park or go the the South Coast of Natal. Winklespruit was a favorite spot of ours and Jacques loved a ride on the little blue train.

Or we would visit Mini Town, the Aquarium, or just stroll along the beach eating ice cream and getting our clothes all wet and dirty. These were all places in and around Durban, our hometown at the time.

His father, in most instances, took the photos as he was by far the better photographer.

After a while we became aware that our handsome youngster would no sooner spot the camera or he would squat, happily smiling in anticipation of being photographed yet again, and no amount of coaxing could persuade him to change his pose.

A couple of years ago, I was privileged during a Father's Day service to minister to the fathers in our congregation in Pinetown, Natal.

Trusting the Lord to inspire with the right words, I felt led to read John 5:19-23:

           "Then Jesus answered and said to them, "Most assuredly I say to you, the Son can
           do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the
           Son also does in like manner. For the Father loves the Son and shows Him all things
           that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may
           marvel. For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives
           life to whom He will. For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to
           the Son, that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not
           honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him." "

I read it once...then reread it...again...WOW! Suddenly a light came on...this was it! This was the answer to all those photographs of a little boy squatting whilst being photographed!

Jacques' dad, being tall, squatted whilst photographing him! Bingo! Jacques only did what he saw his father do...as all boys do...

Thank you, Lord, that you left us such a detailed account of the thoughts, heart, mind, love, mercy, grace, forgiveness, deeds and miracle working power of the Father. Thank you that you became God incarnate so that we would have an example to imitate to reflect the glorious characteristics of our heavenly Father.