Snappy!

Luke 18:16
But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."

When we attend VBS several weeks ago, our granddaughter, Virginia Rose, is enamored with the puppet character, Snappy the Crab, official mascot of the Surf Shack.  We bring home a sheet each day that recaps the key phrase and Bible story learned, and Snappy is always prominently featured on these.  Needless to say, on of the first things Virginia wants to do when we get home is color her new buddy.

As I observe how correctly and carefully Virginia's crayons bring Snappy to life, it dawns on me that Virginia might not realize her BFF is a puppet.  I wonder if she thinks he's a living, breathing crab?  In case she does, I decide not to burst that precious bubble of childhood innocence.  Instead, I am given a one-of-a-kind opportunity to make Snappy as real as real can be.

"Virginia," I say when I notice one of kitchen chair pads carelessly tossed on the floor, "how did that cushion get over there?  Snappy!  Did you do it?  You did?  You little rascal!"

That's all it takes to reel Virginia in, hook, line and sinker!  Every time we discover something out of place or "hidden" where it shouldn't be, it's always because Snappy is engaged in his mischievous ways.  When she's sure I'm not looking, Virginia aids Snappy in his escapades, her imagination revved to overdrive.  Oh, how we laugh at this crab's impish tricks!

The next day at VBS, Virginia regales the class with tales of Snappy's antics.  I can tell by the way she talks about him that somewhere, deep down inside, she truly believes Snappy is alive.  Even though she know that she is responsible for some of the crab's actions, the line separating imagination from rational thought simply hasn't formed in her mind.  To Virginia, everything, no matter how far-fetched it seems to us grown-ups, is still possible.

And I think Jesus wants us to have the same mindset.  One that trusts fully, believes mightily, and knows that with God, all things are possible.

Because indeed, with God, they are.

I leave you today with one of Virginia's favorite songs from VBS, Shine Bright.  May it inspire you to shine brightly for God today and every day!

~

For the next several weeks, I will be posting on Wednesday instead of Tuesday as I join a Christian blogging group in reading and reflecting upon The Discipline of Grace by Jerry Bridges.  I am truly looking forward to this change of pace from my usual devotionals, and do hope you will enjoy this journey with me.

Looking forward to seeing you all next Wednesday!