It’s part of parenting. We’ve all been there, or trust me, you will. It’s a phenomenon that occurs generally between toddlerhood and primary school. The challenge: sippy cup, toy, or pacifier tossed to the floor. The method: acrobatic escape from the shopping cart, car seat, or restraint. The clincher: proverbial meltdown when the new shiny thing is passed by. And there you go!

In retrospect, I confess that most often our scenarios were the result of long days and too many transfers out of the car seat. Meals and bottles were shoved on the run. Nap times missed, and poor planning happened on my part. Not to mention, a long list of much milder challenges within our home (like those quiet, innocent, little dress rehearsals that produced stellar performances once we were on the public stage).

When it’s your first born, it takes a little while to catch on; but with time, we do. We didn’t spend those 20+ years staring into the perfected future for nothing. Well actually, yes, we all did. So give yourself a grace pass. With time, I developed an undercover, stealth, coded message system that translated rather well to the Littles. I became adept at recognizing the signals, the plot, and plan in their eyes. They, in turn, began to understand the fleck of the eye, and the well-intoned inflection of the voice followed by, “Give it some serious thought.” If that didn’t curb the growing insurrection, I followed with, “Listen, and obey.” Then the ever-so-stealth movement of hand to purse, and the light touch of the paint stick. Seldom was the paint stick deployed in public, because it had been deployed frequently in private.

I’ll go ahead and admit that I learned far more about myself during the parenting of my children than any other time in my life. Hindsight is a wonderful reward; it all makes sense when you’re the grandparent! So, what does this have to do with Acts 9: 1-22, the conversion of Paul, and the uncomfortable situation of Ananias? I suggest that as you read these references to ‘Listen and Obey’ and ‘Give it some serious thought.’ Not to mention,’Don’t make me…’, but He did.

READ: ACTS 9:1-22, list a few times you recognized that God had to resort to gentle reminders, prompts, encouragement, and even consequences to help you move in a direction that not only served His purpose, but placed you on a path that was filled with goodness and mercy.

JOURNAL: This may be a great opportunity to revisit those special times in life that highlight our journey with Him. Perhaps the wonderful moment we accepted Him as our Savior, our decision to be Water Baptized, the first time we told a friend about our relationship with Him, the times we knew He knew and was there with us, and the Indwelling of Holy Spirit in us. Those special moments when Heaven touched Earth in the depth of our soul and spirit.

Part of the beauty of this story recorded in Acts are the opportunities it gave to impact so many others around them. Not only did Saul encounter the Lord in the direct rebuke and admonition of His audible voice. There was the powerful strength of His hand - the blinding light, when all around Paul turned the blackest of black. Those with him also heard the other-worldly voice and witnessed the evidence of his blindness. Soon afterwards, Ananias hearing that same Voice and fearfully questioned the instruction, yet listened and obeyed. Many, so many, witnessed the change in Saul. Within an hour of his healing, he’d bathed, eaten, been Baptized and Filled with the Holy Spirit, and was found standing in the synagogue sharing his story and giving glory to the name of Jesus. And his story unfolds in many verses, chapters and books throughout the New Testament.

RESPOND: What does this show me about my own journey? Do I give serious thought to my relationship with the Living Lord; do I listen and obey; do I share my faith? Is my faith evident in my day-to-day, moment-by-moment interactions with others, especially my family? My co-workers? My neighbors? Do I fully believe that a life can be completely changed by a moment’s encounter with this Living Lord?

CONSIDER: Here’s a little something that’s been occupying my noggin’ for a while: “Don’t devalue what God is doing in you by comparing it to what He’s doing in someone else.” (Now, give that some serious thought:)

PRAY: What might it be like to meet You in person, Lord; what would You say, what would I hear? I know, I know, You are here, You dwell within me, personally, and that You’re always with me; have always been with me. In the tough, in the joy, in the learning and the growing. You’re my best cheerleader and companion. But, do I listen? Do I listen to respond, or do I listen to hear? Please lift the scales from my eyes, whisper Your songs in my ears, and let me see as You see, as you do when you look at me; let me see others. Thank You for Your love and Your mercy, yesterday, today and forever. AMEN