Tip of My Iceberg

The Pennsylvania grands have arrived, and they’ve brought with them the energy of four brothers who are constantly engaging and good-naturedly competing with one another. Ranging in age from eight down to almost two, they vary dramatically in personality and perspective.

All of which equals fun.

Mac, at five, is the outspoken one of the group. He rarely stops talking. His comments are sweet and observant, and often he says things that others are thinking but would never say.

I love his bold, brave brashness.

Mac also feels deeply. He has a smile about ninety percent of the time, lighting up his whole face. The other ten percent is typically when he isn’t winning at something he believes he should be good at.

All boy.

I don’t have to guess what he’s thinking about. He tells me how he’s feeling, what’s on his mind, what he thinks should be happening.

There’s something to be said for honesty and knowing who you are that is refreshing and trustworthy. Mac says what is, and no one questions the veracity of it.

Even at five.

Jesus never hesitated to let people know who He was and why He came. His honesty bothered quite a few people, especially the religious leaders of the day. Even the people had mixed reactions about who He was. They’d been hoping for a mighty leader who’d conquer Rome.

Jesus told them who He was.

“I am the Good Shepherd; I know My own sheep, and they know Me, just as My Father knows Me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice My life for the sheep.” John 10:14-15

A tenderhearted shepherd who took care of His people, caring for and protecting them from the things that could destroy them.

He also said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one can come to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6. This was a definitive statement about Jesus being the only way to reach heaven. No compromise. No alternatives.

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in Me will live, even though they die; and those who live and believe in Me will never die.’” John 11:25-26. We can actually know that we are guaranteed heaven if we choose to believe in Jesus.

There are so few genuine assurances in life that we can count on. Jesus said that by believing in Him we will have life in heaven with Him and will have His presence with us here, no matter our circumstances.

Mac’s grin is fairly consistent, but even he has his off days.

Jesus is always who He says He is. No bad days. Just His gracious presence with those who choose Him.

That’s worth smiling about.