The Grape Juice Covenant
September 26
This cup is the new covenant in my blood.
1Corinthians 11:25
With three year old Diana busy at the breakfast table, Sandy headed to the sunroom 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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