Simple Stuff

As I've been reflecting on this past week and all that has happened - a joint middle school youth retreat with Family Center and RYAA, the arrival of a spring break mission team from Grand Valley State University in Michigan, new volunteers from Stanford University starting in our programs, the arrival of applications for our summer internship, a new partnership with a high school youth ministry in Cupertino, I am most struck by something very simple yet central to what we are all about. Let me share the story with you.

Maria (not her real name), one of our fist grade students, has been coming faithfully to our after-school tutoring program as well as our Friday Bible Club program. She does not go to church and our weekly Bible Club is her only regular exposure to the Gospel. She is young and giggly and on many occasions we wonder how much she is absorbing, if the teachings and lessons and time spent studying the Word are sinking in.

The students were asked to draw a picture in response to a lesson on God's love during Bible Club. When it came time for Maria to show hers, she proudly displayed her picture (see picture). She proceeded to describe her drawing, which includes her and God. As she explained her picture, she said, "I know that when I need help, God helps me." What is more precious and profound than that statement? Her claim is an acitve one, a testimony to a God who has helped and will help her in times of need. Maria does understand her God. Maria has experienced God's love. Maria does have a relationship with the God of the universe and it is a good one.

Amen.

What is Living?

Last night, I had the privilege of teaching 6-8 year olds in our karate program about the Prodigal Son. I love teaching this age, primarily because they teach me quite a bit as well!

"The younger son decided to take his money, leave home and spend it on wild living." I said.

Woah! Their eyes were big. Smiles on their faces. Michael echoed everyone's thoughts. 

"What is living!?" 

He didn't know what it was, but it sure sounded good!

Now, that is THE question, isn't it? Jesus was asked that one on a number of occasions, and in a number of ways. He often times gave answers that were really confusing to people.

I thought about what brought me and my wife April to East Palo Alto. I was recently married, and we were looking for God. While we enjoyed church, and Bible studies, that wasn't enough. We wanted to see God in action! What better place than EPA? Sometimes I wonder why we are here, and I realize, while its not easy, "This is living!" 

Well, I went on to explain to these young squirrely children, that "wild living" was partying, and staying up all night, and buying whatever you wanted. "Alright!" Boy, that sounded great to them. 

This wasn't going so well.

Then we got to the part about running out of money, and feeding pigs, but not being able to eat what the pigs were eating. I got to see a light dawn in their eyes that what they thought was living, was short lived. That wasn't the answer. 

Jesus gives a couple more examples in this parable. The first son we discover was very responsible, but he had no joy at his younger brother's return. It makes me wonder what he was living for. The father in the parable saw an occasion to forgive and to celebrate. The Bible is full of these occasions to celebrate. Sounds to me like he was really living.

What is "living" to you?