Rendered Art by Kendall Lyons (c) 2011
A while back, I was sitting in the Pastors’ study in a small Dallas church. I was sitting with the Pastor of my church, and another minister, the Pastor of the church we were visiting. While in the study, a little boy was standing near the door and stood a few inches away…and simply stared at me. It was as if he was trying to figure out whether I was an alien or some kind of strange creature. The boy was in my peripheral vision to my left, but I was trying to focus more on what the two Pastors’ in the study were talking about.
I finally turned my head to the boy who was just standing there. I then spoke.
“HI, how’s it going,” I said to the young man as I stretched out my hand to shake his.
“I’m good sir,” he said as we both shook hands.
“What’s it like to be a Pastor?” he asked.
For a moment, I was very surprised by his question!
Needless to say, I’m not, exactly, a “Pastor,” but I am a minister. Of course, who knows what God has got planned. I’m pretty open-minded and willing to serve either way. I quickly, but thoroughly, explained that I was technically a minister and that the two other ministers in the room were actually Pastor’s.
I think of this story because I re-call listening to a radio show where the host asked an important question, which actually can merge with what the young man’s question:
Would the 10-year-old you be proud of you?
What a question…what a thought…would the 10-year-old version of me actually be proud of the now, 27-year-old, version of me?
Think carefully about this before saying yes or no! This is something that everyone needs to really think seriously about. If I was to meet the 10-year-old version of me, I’m certain he would be proud of me. I have reached this conclusion for the following reason:
- I allow my God-given gifts to flow out without holding back!
- I’m still very curious about the world around me!
- I love helping people!
- I still watch cartoons!
- I still play video games!
- I still read comic books!
- I’m still not afraid to speak up!
- I’m not ashamed anymore of who I am both as a person and a creative and even more so as a Christian!
- I’m a stronger person emotionally, so it takes a lot more than just comments or criticisms to hurt me.
- Even during ALL of the pressure to be someone else or change my image, I stayed true to myself…only difference, I got older and know better about a few things in life.
When I created this list, I realized that a lot of these things are based on the growth and changes that occurred from my childhood to adulthood. Some of what I listed would never have been the case had I grown stronger and wiser over the years…and especially, if people didn’t pray with and for me!
Notice that I said nothing about the 10-year-old version of me being proud of me for a nice car, a nice apartment, a cool job or anything that’s material. A 10-year-old knows nothing of the “adult race” yet for the greatest house, car or boat. Most 10-year-old’s are worried about racing to the nearest Game Stop to get the latest X-BOX or PS3 game. Most 10-year-
old’s are looking forward to what’s on TV or the latest good movie or cartoon! Most 10-year-old’s are not really going to care whether you have a 401-K or can balance an awesome checkbook.
Thankfully, they’ll be proud of you for being you! In turn, they trust you! They know that they can count on and depend on you.
But now, I have a question, what about the 10-year-old YOU?! Have you forgotten how to have fun…have you become so “adult” that you can’t hang out with good friends, watch TV and eat your favorite food for one evening! Have you become so “mature” that you can’t say something goofy or funny without blushing!
At the end of the day, it’s a sad day for any individual who forgets about the inner-kid in them. After all, being child-like, or humble, and remembering life is too short to not stop and enjoy it, is a whole lot better than being a boring adult with no desire to live life to the fullest.
After all, even Jesus pointed out that we needed to be like that child he pointed out, humble…childlike!
Now, IF you think the 10-year-old you might not be very proud of you…the good news is, its not too late! Call that friend or family member you haven’t talked to in a long time. Go hang out with the people you know and love. Get to know your surroundings, from people to places. Now, if you don’t watch cartoons or read comics, do not worry, it is NOT a requirement. After all, though I’m in touch with the kid in me, I am an adult of course…I know when and how to talk about current events, social issues and serious matters both personal and private. When it comes to preaching and teaching and helping people, I take it very seriously.
Before you know it, you’ll hear that kid in you say “I’m proud of you!”
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