So there I was, 7 years old, and wanting to play hide and seek with my two older brothers. I pestered them until they gave in and said, “OK, you hide here in the closet, and we’ll find you.” Well, not really understanding the concept of the game, I hid there for what seemed like an hour. When Dad called out “Joey where are you?” I opened the closet. When dad asked what I was doing there, I said I was playing hide and seek with my brothers. Dad laughed, “Your brothers have been outside the last half hour.”

This was perhaps my first lesson in faith, a bad one. As I got older I learned to be more discerning. When Dad said he would pick me up at school, I knew he’d show up. When mom said dinner would be ready at 5 pm, it was. When the teacher promised to be there for extra help after hours, she was. I learned to have faith in my elders, teachers, clergy, and above all in God. Even when I was taught the stories of great men of faith in the Bible, I learned that the only one who never fails us is God.

Now in my 60s I look back on my childlike faith and remember being disappointed by some whom I trusted. It prompts me to strive to do better with those I come in contact with, to do what their faith in me expects.

By faith Abraham set forth to a new land. By faith Isaac was willing to sacrifice his first born. By faith Joseph used his misfortune to save his brothers. By faith Moses brought Israel to the promised land. And now we try our best not to disappoint those who have faith in us, especially the most vulnerable among us.

Scripture states, “Whomsoever offends the least of these My brethren offends also Me.” AMEN? Maranatha.

Remember God Loves us unconditionally!

Joey

Read Matt.18:2-6