A Good Start

WARNING: Some Biblical references

I’m still in New York spending quality time with grandson number 3. OK, he’s cute, he’s handsome, he’s kissable … but can he really sing?

Oh, the demands we put on our children. I’m not talking about my family but families in general. We are all guilty of this. (Well, “guilty” may be too strong a word but you know what I mean.) And it’s not only normal but it’s good that we want the best for our kids. But It’s like we get into this self-inflicted competition of the human race that started with the first family.

Cain and Abel

There isn’t any explanation why, but in Genesis 4, Cain (the pain) started this offering craze and burned some of his organic garden to God. (Maybe Mom and Dad told him to do it). He was probably saying to himself “I don’t get it, here I am toiling this land for food which I could really use and then burning good food to God who doesn’t even eat it. What a waste! I’m sure God won’t mind if keep the juicy stuff for myself.” (Logical thinking Cain, but you better check the attitude.)

Meanwhile, his brother able (or capable) Abel was doing his own thing loving God and offering his best flock to God. Well, wouldn’t you know it, God gave Abel the thumbs up but not so for Cain. You know how the story goes. Competition and comparison was born. And things didn’t turn out so good for Cain … especially the good guy, Abel. No murder mystery here … I mean there weren’t that many suspects, right? The bad guy gets away with murder (literally) and greed and corruption passes on through the generations. Who said the world is fair? It isn’t. Not on this side of heaven. Maybe that’s why we pray for the best for our children — because we know life is going to be rough and we want to protect them.

Ten Fingers, Ten Toes

So here I am counting ten fingers, admiring the beautiful nose and wondering eyes. God gave us such a beautiful baby. He could have given us less but He granted us favor with this one — just as He has given us favor with all of my family (just as He granted favor to yours). Our little baby is off to a good start in this human race.

Thank you God for this perfect gift. Please protect him from harm. Give him wisdom to do what’s best in your eyes and compassion to help those with less. Make yourself known to him and give him the courage and strength to achieve what you plan for him. Let him not deviate from that. Help him see himself the way you do and not like people do. I pray the same for the rest of us in all our stages of life for it’s never too late to get down to the basics. Help us focus on you and the things that are really important. For I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

TGIF people!

Raoul

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA for this joke.

Parting Shots

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA for this joke.

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Thanks to Mel of Washington, D.C.

Thanks to Peter Paul of South Pasadena, CA

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