Who Can You Count On?

"...I [the Lord] will never leave you nor forsake you."
Joshua 1:5b NIV

Last fall, Grant asked our oldest grandson to help him clean and mulch the large flowerbeds in front of our house. They agreed on an upcoming Saturday both of them were free. When the day arrived, Grant took Caleb for an early breakfast before working him all day in the scorching sun. Caleb was a hard worker and the yard looked wonderful when they finished. 

A few days later, we discovered Caleb had missed his first soccer practice scheduled (after he’d signed up for yard duty) on that same Saturday morning. We felt terrible, knowing how important soccer is to Caleb, and that missing a practice could impact his playing time on the team. When asked why he didn’t tell us so we could reschedule, 15-year-old Caleb made my heart proud with his simple response: “I promised Papaw first.” There is little doubt Caleb wanted to be on the soccer field more than doing manual labor for us, but he felt it was important to honor his first commitment...even if it meant sacrificing more than just a Saturday.

Kudos to Gwen and Marcus for modeling strong character and teaching their kids the importance of commitment. When children see promises kept by their parents, it fortifies their faith to believe God's promises. Caleb’s resolve to do the right thing brings honor to the God he serves, and will take him far in life. He is becoming a tremendous example for others, both young and old. 

God does the same thing for us...He promises to be with us always, no matter what. If He ever seems far away, it’s because we’ve run from Him...He hasn’t left us. He is the God of countless wonders, the God of countless answers...a God to be counted on in good times and bad.

Heavenly Father, it’s hard to comprehend how wide and deep Your love for me is...even when I sometimes get so caught up in my life I forget You are there. Help me be the kind of person You and others can count on. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.