The Power of Influence

Last night was a big night in the Stephens household.  Our middle son, Sam, has had his first “loose tooth” for a little while now.  I knew that this day would come.  I personally was dreading this day because Sam is not one to take pain or blood well.

Last night, as we were tucking the boys into bed, Sam pipes up and says, “I’m ready for my tooth to come out!”  We had been checking it and seeing how wiggly it is, and we knew that it was about time for it to come out.  So we proceeded to grab some tissues and get to work.

I was bracing for an all-out fiasco, but what I found was quite different.  Sam was so excited that he was going to get to experience this “big boy” event in his life.  The main trouble that we had was keeping him still as he couldn’t sit still from excitement.

After a little while of wiggling and pulling, out popped this little front tooth.  Sam did a little happy dance and was eager to show his onlooking brothers his tooth that was missing.  I cannot explain the relief that I had that it was not “the end of the world.”

As Sam was so eager to show his brothers his tooth that had come out, I looked at our oldest son, Drew, and said to him, “Thank you.”  You could see the confusion on Drew’s face as I said this to him.  I explained that because he had done so well with this event in his own life, his brother was not afraid to go down that path.  Drew’s example before his brothers had been one tool that had given Sam the courage to face this with no fear but rather excitement.

It is hard to see how God is using some of the events in our lives.  We may wonder, “God, how is this going to be used in any way?”  The truth is, we never really know who is watching us and how what happens in our lives can be exactly what they need to face what is coming down the road for them.

God never wastes a moment… even when it is a young boy losing a tooth.  God can use even that event to build up those around him.  Take heart and remember that God is not just working in and on your life, but He is also working through you in others’ lives as well.

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Unaware Teacher

This morning, I pulled up to the dining room table with my Bible, pen, journal, and a cup of coffee. That's certainly a good way to start the day. I was looking for some of that "daily bread" to get me through the day. I was jotting down some things that we're standing out. There were even a couple of things that stood out that might be in future sermons. One thing I didn't think I was doing was teaching, but apparently I was.

Before long, our three boys who are normally running wild with toys changed their focus. I could hear them in the living room. Our 6 year old, 3 year old, and 2 year old had all gone and gotten their Bibles. They were sitting in the living room doing what Daddy was doing.

I was humbled as I realized that this time of devotion was one of the best teaching times that I had. I want more than anything for my boys to know and follow Jesus like I do - even more. That isn't going to happen if I don't model it and show them that this following Jesus really works and is important. I need to let them see me reading the Bible not just in church, but at various times. I need to let them see me praying more than just at mealtime and bedtime.

You may not be intending on teaching, but be sure that there is someone that is watching and learning from you. What example are you teaching?

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Teaching Opportunity

Today is Valentine's Day. The day that sends men into a spin of trying to find that perfect gift for that special someone in their lives. For me, I always spend too much time thinking (and second guessing) gift ideas. I don't want to just do the same old thing. I certainly don't want to get Naomi the same gift many years in a row. I want it to be special. I want it to communicate that I actually put some thought into it.

This Valentine's Day has been very different. With funds being extremely tight, I knew that I wasn't going to be able to go all out. My schedule has not worked well with me in being able to get away and search for the perfect gift. I haven't even had the time to "make a gift" because I have been around Naomi most of my free time.

Today, the opportunity opened. I took a check to deposit at the bank and had some "study time" before our oldest son's Valentine's party at his preschool. I stopped by a store that I knew had some things and got two items: a card and 3 red roses.



The card was from me. It is amazing how some of these card writers can say what I'm thinking much clearer than I can get it out. It did have a spot for me to write a personal note to my bride.

The roses were for another reason. I got 3 red roses, one for each of our boys to give to their mother. I wanted to make sure that I started teaching our boys to honor their mother. These three boys that God has blessed us with are watching me to see how to respect, honor, and show affection to their mother (and other females).

The question rings in my head: what example are my boys seeing through me in how to relate to females?

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Laugh It Off?

Yesterday, I had the TV on ESPN to see what was going on in the world of sports.  One story caught my attention.  It had to do with Chad Ocho Cinco's fake bribe of officials in a game on Sunday.  I have always thought that some celebrations should be allowed in football.  I like a good touchdown dance just like the next guy.  Sometimes, the celebration gets pushed over the edge.  I think that now there are many people who are just trying to put on a show and see how far they can push the limits. 

In the latest chapter of Ocho Cinco's antics, he tried to take a $1 bill to an official to mess around and get a call his way.  I know that he was joking, but there are some things that are just better not to be joked about.  I believe the one thing that stood out to me came not from Ocho Cinco, but the guys on ESPN's "Pardon the Interruption".  Mike Wilbon said that the NFL should just get a sense of humor and not be so uptight.

I will agree that a sense of humor is a needed thing in life.  I will admit that I have laughed a few times at the celebrations of one Ocho Cinco.  What I disagree with is making light of something that is clearly wrong.  Bribery is something that has corrupted far too many institutions and people.  When we get to the point of just laughing it off as "no big deal", then that's the open door for it to become mainstream and part of our culture.

It has been a wish of mine for a while now that those in the spotlight (actors, athletes, etc) would face the fact that there are hundreds, even thousands, of young people that are looking to them to provide an example.  I know that they didn't ask for that (Charles Barkley), but it is part of the job.  You can have fun and do some very funny things... just make sure that it is not pointing others in the direction of clear wrong.

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