"In a word, what I'm saying is, Grow up. You're kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously toward others, the way God lives toward you."

Matthew 4:48 The Message

I love the way The Message presents the Bible. Not too long ago, I had a lesson in growing up to live like a subject of the kingdom of God, (i.e. acceptance of others as God's children), from my son, Harrison. He was six at the time (I'm sure he'd want me to tell you he is seven now!).

As Harrison grows, I continue to be amazed at how God works through him in my life to help me to see where I'm not living up to God's standards. I came to the Cathedral of Hope by a little different path than most, you see, I'm straight. I was going through a particularly dark time in my life two years ago when a group of friends invited me to join them in a field trip to find out what the Cathedral was all about.

The message of God's grace and acceptance for all of us, no matter where we are in life, was so uplifting that I continued to attend services. As I continued to worship, I came to see that God meant for me to find my healing, hope and acceptance at the Cathedral among many new friends. On to the lesson ...

Last year I purchased a new home, my first since splitting with Harrison's mom. I decided to pay to have my furniture and big items moved so that I would not have to negotiate the stairs at my apartment. The big day arrived and Harrison was there to help. The mover was from eastern Europe by his accent. He was accompanied by two Hispanic men who didn't speak any English. I decided to let the mover do all the directing and the other men do all the carrying while I tried to stay out of the way, after all, I was paying them to do the work.

Harrison jumped right in and began carrying things downstairs with the guys. He also began to chatter to them as he carried and walked. It didn't seem to matter to him that they didn't speak any English and he didn't speak any Spanish. He talked about all the things that are important to him, Pokemon, Mom, Dad, the new house, his dogs, God… By the time we were finishing up at the apartment, I had grudgingly started carrying too.

At the new house, it was the same, Harrison pitching in alongside the guys - chattering all the way and of course, showing them his new bedroom. I was busy directing most of the time, but did pitch in as I could. After a half hour or so, Harrison appeared at my side. "Dad, I'm hot and thirsty, can I have an popsicle?" Fortunately, I had stocked the freezer before hand so I pulled one out. "And Dad, can I have three more for my friends?" It took me a minute before I realized who he meant. With a smile and a little blush of humility, I opened three more popsicles and sent him out the door.

Watching from the porch, I realized that I was uncomfortable because I don't know Spanish and couldn't communicate well. So, I covered my discomfort with indifference. I watched as he offered the refreshments, then sat on the trailer's ramp with his friends to enjoy the treat. I have a picture in our album of that moment, to remind me that the best way to make friends is to take the first step past my discomfort.

PRAYER: God, who lives generously towards me, Help me to remember that your gift of grace comes without my asking or being able to earn it. In accepting your gift, help me to always remember that you mean for me to live as you do and to pass it on, each and every day.