April 25


A Good Catch


I want them to have full confidence ... understanding of God’s secret plan ... so that no one will be able to deceive....

Colossians 2:1-5 (NLT)


A couple days ago, 9-year old Alex lost another tooth. He dutifully put it under his pillow. You see, while we haven’t allowed Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny easy access to our kids, I’ve given exception to the Tooth Fairy.

Overall, the Tooth Fairy has been good to Alex. And what a deal: taking Alex’s used enamel and replacing it with a shiny silver dollar? Yeah! By the way, one ounce of silver is worth a lot more than a dollar nowadays....

Well guess what? I couldn’t find a new silver dollar to place under Alex’s pillow, and so, I forgot about it. Until about 6:30 a.m. the next morning. In the dim, early-morning light, I found a couple of makeshift Kennedy half-dollars. They would have to do. I crept into his quiet room thinking I was safe, but as I slid the fifty-cent pieces under his pillow, Alex came to life. He popped up, grabbed my hand and yelled, “Aha! I knew it was you!” Once I got my heart back in my chest, we had a good laugh.... I had been caught, but it was a pleasant surrender.

My children, it seems, are growing up and there is ... in this ... a quiet pleasure....


Father God, thank You for pleasant surprises and the joy of children. May You guide them in truth and love. Amen.