Story Time

~~~ Esther C:12, 14-16, 23-25 ~~~ Psalm 138 ~~~ 

~~~ Matthew 7:7-12 ~~~

As a child my mother read to us every

 day right after lunch.

It was nap time 

for the little ones and 'rest' 

time for the older ones.

She read from this big book 

with a short story for each day of the year.

By the time she reached 'the end' the little ones 

were usually asleep.

Today most young parents have minimal time

 to actually read to their children.

As a child I used to hear from the books

 of my forefathers

that you, O LORD, always

 free those who are pleasing to you.

Esther, in her time of distress,

 is able to recall the goodness of the Lord

because as a child she was read to 

by the adults in her life.

What we hear as young children 

is able to be internalized more easily.

As young children we still have a pure unbiased heart.

Esther draws strength from 

the words she remembers hearing as a child.

If you have the occasion please read Bible 

stories to any child you love.

God the Father is the best parent.

He gives us all that we need.

Which one of you would hand his son a stone

when he asked for a loaf of bread,

or a snake when he asked for a fish?

God listens and answers to our prayers.

He is not ever trying to trick us.

When his answers seem to be a 'stone' or a 'snake'

it is only because he has something better in store for us.

...how much more will your heavenly Father

 give good things

to those who ask him.

If you need a visual during Lent to remind 

you to turn away from sin,

 find a large 'stone' and keep it near you.

Look at that 'stone' remembering...

 God gives you so much more.

Esther received valuable memories from her childhood.

The Gospel today reminds us all to 

believe that we have God as our Father.

Blessed to seek, find, and receive.

~~~Peace~~~