~~~ 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~~~
