Partners in Parenting

Instant Recognition!

There are some people that you can instantly recognize when you see them.  Those people are typically famous people that we get to see fairly often thanks to the media.  But there are other people we recognize from years gone by.  I had this happen a few weeks ago at a Detroit Tigers game. 

At the conclusion of the game, people began to stand up to leave.  Before I stood up (in Row 42 of my section), I noticed a large man in the front row stand up.  I instantly told my wife, “That is Dan who just stood up.  Look, that’s Dan!”  Doubt crept into my mind, but then the man turned sideways, and I thought, “Oh yeah, that’s Dan alright!  Where is his wife Nancy?”  Shortly afterward, I spotted Nancy, and I had all the doubt erased that the person I instantly noticed from behind and 42 rows away was truly Dan.  Now understand, I haven’t seen Dan in 10-15 years, but Dan spent about as much time with my brother and me growing up as any of my other siblings.  My kids have heard numerous stories about Dan.  The amazing stories about Dan have almost given Dan legendary status with my kids.  Dan got to meet my kids, and I got to meet his.  My kids just stood there looking at him in disbelief – this guy they have heard of for so long is actually real.  I recognized him in an instant, but my kids couldn’t believe they were actually looking at the Dan they had heard about so often.

The disciples had a hard time recognizing Jesus as the Messiah, but eventually they did (Mark 8:29 “But what about you?”  Jesus asked. “Who do you say that I am?”  Peter answered, “You are the Christ.”)  Do we always recognize God all around us?  Where?  I hope you can instantly recognize God all around you – He deserves instant recognition!

 

Family Discussion Points!

Have every family member share people who they think everyone will instantly recognize when they see them (President Obama, etc.)

Parents, share a story with your kids about a childhood friend.

Discuss where you see God all around you and why?  examples: 

• in nature because He is the creator of every drop of water, tree, plant, animal, cloud, etc. (Genesis 1);
• in acts of love and kindness because He is defined as love (I John 4:8) so love comes from Him;
• in the Bible because God is the Word (John 1:1)