The
Grape Juice Covenant
This cup is the
new covenant in my blood.
1 Corinthians 11:25
With three year old Diana busy at the
breakfast table, Sandy headed to the sun room where she began her
morning exercises. Typically, Diana would eat breakfast, and then
join Sandy for her version of ‘etsersize’. Sandy loved watching
her bend and twist to the music. So full of life and energy, Diana
never failed to provide moments of laughter and bring smiles to both
their faces. It was mother-daughter time well-spent.
So it was with surprise that a moment
later Diana walked into the room with breakfast in hand. Oh no!
Sandy thought.
In one hand Diana held a large piece of
waffle…and in the other was the glass of grape juice she had
insisted on filling to the brim. She held the glass up ceremoniously,
its contents sloshing from side to side above the new carpet, and
proudly proclaimed, “Look, Momma! This is the blood of Christ, like
Pastor Marta said. Member?” And with that she dipped the waffle
into the juice, emulating Pastor Marta’s actions during yesterday’s
communion!
Instantly, the threat of a spill
succumbed to a wonderful warmth coursing through Sandy’s spirit.
Her heart swelling with gratitude, and hot tears welling in her eyes,
Sandy asserted, “That’s right! Exactly like Pastor Marta, Honey!
The blood of Christ!”
†
Our little children are pint-sized
sponges, absorbing the world around them. Surveying the world from
their knee-level perch, they frequently attempt to incorporate what
they’ve learned into their daily lives. Although they might not
completely understand the meaning and application of what they’ve
witnessed, they grasp enough to form a partial construct. We need to,
if at all possible, assist them in grasping the rest of the concept
in simple terms.
When they take these opportunities to
share with us what they’ve learned we, like Sandy, need to take
full advantage of the moment. Doing so fosters open communication.
By encouraging them to speak what’s
on their hearts, we are giving them permission to share
anything…anytime. That manner of relationship cultivates unhindered
cooperation that will pay immeasurable dividends.
Prayer
“Lord, help me take full
advantage of the waffle and grape juice moments in life. In Jesus’
Name, amen.”
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