The father's tone was harsh...
Illustration
The father's tone was harsh toward his five-year-old son. "Not now, Tyler," he said as he
was looking for something in the electronics aisle of a large store. The father was intent
on finding whatever he was looking for. However, Tyler kept asking questions that a
five-year-old would ask, "What are you looking for?" And "Can I help?" His father kept
dismissing him. It was obvious that the father was irritated and lacked patience. Back and
forth the conversation went. Surprisingly, Tyler did not seem discouraged with his
father's curt responses.
After the father paid and was about to leave the store, Tyler could be heard asking another question. Tyler wanted to do something with his father. To those observing this interchange it was not a revelation that the father once again dismissed his son, telling him that he did not have time to play a game. Tyler looked sad. Those standing in line at the cash register felt badly for the young boy. When they returned home, the five-year- old asked, "Can we play Clue?"
We may have the latest technology and gadgets but unfortunately we have forgotten what is really important -- our relationships with those we care about the most -- our families. It is time for the church to say enough to the greed that surrounds us every day. There is more to life than consuming more and more things and having the latest products. Jesus tells of a first-century consumer who had so much stuff that he needed to build a larger barn. However, he would not live to enjoy it. "And the things you have prepared," Jesus asked, "whose will they be?" The wealthy person missed out of what was important. May we not make the same mistake.
After the father paid and was about to leave the store, Tyler could be heard asking another question. Tyler wanted to do something with his father. To those observing this interchange it was not a revelation that the father once again dismissed his son, telling him that he did not have time to play a game. Tyler looked sad. Those standing in line at the cash register felt badly for the young boy. When they returned home, the five-year- old asked, "Can we play Clue?"
We may have the latest technology and gadgets but unfortunately we have forgotten what is really important -- our relationships with those we care about the most -- our families. It is time for the church to say enough to the greed that surrounds us every day. There is more to life than consuming more and more things and having the latest products. Jesus tells of a first-century consumer who had so much stuff that he needed to build a larger barn. However, he would not live to enjoy it. "And the things you have prepared," Jesus asked, "whose will they be?" The wealthy person missed out of what was important. May we not make the same mistake.
