Last week April, Ethan, and I were in the truck.  Ethan looked over at me and said, “I love Ms. West.” (His kindergarten teacher)  He then went on to say, “She is very special.  I want to do something nice for her.”  When we got home he asked if we could help write a letter to Ms. West.

Ethan gave up some of his play time to write this letter, which is a big deal.  We get home at 5:30.  We eat dinner about 6:30.  Ethan goes to be at 8:30.  Ethan understands the value of time, but he was more than willing to sacrifice something important to him for someone else. We sat there together for nearly an hour as he wrote that letter.  All because he wanted her know that she was special.

Mark 12:31 says, “The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. ‘There is no commandment greater than these.”

Ethan has his priorities straight.  Making sure others know they are special and loved is much more important than playtime.  To be honest, I was very convicted as I sat there helping him write that letter.

I want people in my life to know they are more important than my playtime.

When was the last time you made someone feel special?  When was the last time that someone made you feel special?

Me:  Are you ready to go?  It’s 6:45, I have to be at work in 15 minutes.

April:  Yes, lets get in the truck.

Me:  I’m driving.

April:  No, I will.  Michael, It’s better when you don’t drive.

This was the conversation that April and I had the other day.  I wear glasses, but I still have trouble seeing when I drive, especially when it’s dark out.  So she typically drives us everywhere.

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

When April and I had this conversation it was like I got punched in the stomach.  Not because she is a better driver than me, but because there is so much truth in what she said.

As I safely sat in the passengers seat riding to work, I couldn’t help but think:

When I’ve been in the driver’s seat, I’ve had bumpy and rough rides.

When I’ve been in the driver’s seat, I’ve ran red-lights and stop-signs.

When I’ve been in the driver’s seat, I’ve ended up lost, not knowing where I was.

When I’ve been in the driver’s seat, I’ve ran out of gas and had to get a fill up to continue on.

When I’ve been in the driver’s seat, I’ve been in wrecks and had to wait on help to come.

April was right.  It’s far better when I don’t drive.  It’s far better when I sit in the passenger’s seat.

Have you ever had a problem sitting in the passenger’s seat?

Do you want to know what my biggest fear was when April and I first got married?  The mailbox.  Sounds silly right?  Trust me it was very scary.  You see when we first got married we were poorer than poor.  It was tough making ends meat.  April worked a few jobs and I worked full time and went to college full time.  But it was never enough.

If I would go to the mailbox the only thing in it would be bills that we couldn’t afford to pay.  Me being a scared kid did what a scared kid would do:  I would ignore what was waiting on me and focus on something else.  I would only get the mail a few times a week.  By doing this, it was like my problems would just disappear…until I went back a few days later and it was full of bills.

Ecclesiastes 11:4 says, “Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.”

It doesn’t matter how long you “watch the wind” or “avoid your mailbox” because whatever you are facing will still be there.  I think spiritually our mailbox can be filled with all sorts of things that we don’t want to deal with:  scarred relationships, hidden sin, unforgiveness, anger, etc…

As hard as it is to swallow, we need to check the mailbox.  We need to open the mail.  We need to address the issue.

Have you ever avoided the mailbox?

Growing up there were things I was not allowed to touch.  At the time I was annoyed, but it makes sense now that I’m a parent.  Mom would always say, “Put it down, you may get hurt.”

Knives…Put it down, you may get hurt.

Mouse traps…Put it down, you may get hurt.

Dad’s guns…Put it down, you may get hurt.

Curling iron…Put it down, you may get hurt.

Scissors…Put it down, you may get hurt.

The remote…(just kidding)

The one time I didn’t put it down, I did get hurt.  I was playing with a knife and cut my finger pretty bad.  I should have listened when she said, “Put it down, you may get hurt.”  I should have trusted her.

Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God”

Now that I’m an adult (age wise) I see this even more often.  Situations come up.  Life happens.  And I hear Him telling me, “Put it down, you may get hurt.”

Worry…Put it down, you may get hurt.

Jealousy…Put it down, you may get hurt.

Doubt…Put it down, you may get hurt.

Fear…Put it down, you may get hurt.

Anger…Put it down, you may get hurt.

My life…Put it down, you may get hurt.

Many times I have not put things down when I should of.  And you know what?  I got hurt and so did others.  ”Be still and know that I’m God.” It’s as if God is saying, “Trust me.  Put it down, you may get hurt.”

What do you need to put down, so you won’t get hurt?

Ethan, today is your big day.  You start kindergarten!  I know your mom has given you all sorts of advice and told you how to behave.  She said things like be good and listen.  All of that is sound advice, but I wanted to give you the sort of advice that I wish I had received before I started kindergarten.

• Don’t eat glue.  I know it probably tastes good, but it’s hard on your digestive system.
• Sit in the middle of the classroom.  If your up front people will think you are a nerd and if you sit in the back they will think you are a slacker.
• Learn how to barter at lunch.  School meatloaf is gross.  If you play your cards right you can probably end up with extra pudding or Jello.
• No girlfriends.  I think 37 is a good age to start dating.
• Look down when a teacher asks a question.  Trust me, eye contact = you being called on.
• Passing gas is funny.  It’s much funnier on a wooden seat because of the acoustics, so planning is crucial.
• Save your straws.  They make excellent projectile weapons when the teacher is not looking.
• Don’t pee with your pants down around your ankles.  Just don’t be that guy.  Trust me.
• Do not touch the bottom of your desk.  The only thing you will find there are boogers and gum.

Ethan, truthfully, the best advice is for you to just be you.  I love you and I’m proud of you.

Do you have any advice for a kid going into kindergarten?

You’re alive in this

through the struggles

through the pains

for those hurting

You’re alive in this

through the anguish

through the suffering

for the brokenhearted

You’re alive in this

through the anxieties

through the fears

for those scared

You’re alive in this

through the trials

through the turmoil

for those beaten down

You’re alive in this

through the confusion

through the uncertainty

for those in disarray

You’re alive in this

through the hope

through the wait

for those clinging

Lord, You are alive in this

Isaiah 41:13 says, “For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”