‘When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.’ John 19:30
Growing up there was one line in life you did not cross. When it came to lessons from my father, crossing the line of respect translated to living in the land of dismemberment.
I was very young when my dad taught me to look a man in the eye, give a firm hand shake, salute every veteran and make sure your word is as good as gold. In the event I did show disrespect, especially if it was to an elder, threats of military school and 39 lashes would often follow. The education would prove to be invaluable.
Earlier today my son disrespected me. I don’t think he understood the depth of the disrespect and I don’t think I understood the grace and stoicism my father extended when I made the same mistake. I try hard to give that same invaluable education. Many times, however, the test paper comes back with a big red ‘F’ on it.
The more I take the test, the more the fear of being unable to graduate lingers. But, it is here that I’m reminded Who the Teacher is. The whisper of God comes riding in on the white horse of redemption, the Cross blankets the red ink in white and the ‘F’ has a new meaning.
Ball Valves
