Time to Grow Up

“When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things.” - 1 Corinthians 13:11

I have heard a lot of sermons and read a few authors on the subject of Christian maturity. The writings and the sermons usually talk about the characteristics of a mature Christian and the characteristics of an immature Christian. But none of these sermons or writings have impacted me as much as the words of my sweet granddaughter on May 27, 2011.

I had the joy of keeping this two-year-old  most of that day while my very good son-in-law surprised his bride with a day out on her birthday. So while Laura and Michael were out for the day, Leah and I had a talk. Leah’s mommy and daddy had been teaching her that she was becoming a big girl and big girls don’t need diapers. My instruction from Leah came as I was changing her diaper. Leah looked at me and said, “Papaw, you are too big for diapers.....but I am little.”

It seems like just yesterday when I had written about the birth of this child. The following is an excerpt from that writing:

Love at First Sight
“Actually, the title of this article is not correct. The truth is I loved her before I ever met her. When I first learned of her a few months ago, I loved her. Then about 6 months ago, I saw a picture of her and I was hooked. Now before you get the wrong idea, I have been a grandfather in waiting for the past 9 months. Waiting to see and hold a God created new life.    Finally the call came from Michael as Bradley and I paced in Saint Mary’s waiting room.   Laura was fine and I heard Leah’s cry for the first time over the telephone.  

“Then it happened. I held her in my arms and I started speaking in a new language with phrases like, ‘she is papaw’s girl,’... ‘she loves her papaw,’ ... and the worse one, ‘she looks just like her papaw.’ 

“On April 20, 2009 at 8:08 p.m., a major change took place in my life: Leah Abigail Thelen was born. I am now reeling from the wonder and awe of that experience. I recall how the excitement surrounding the pregnancy announcement quickly changed to the stunning realization that the birth of this child would make me a grandfather.   I've been grandfathered, in spite of myself. It is a time of unmatched joy in the miraculous gift of new life, the opportunity to witness and share in the life of another human being.  One look at Leah, less than 2 hours old, did me in completely. And holding this miraculous bundle of life totally destroyed my manufactured composure.”

Now, just over two short years later and she is giving me instructions?  Who taught this bundle to talk anyway? It had to be her Uncle Bradley.

Leah’s words have stayed with me over the past year as I have pondered them from time to time. I must admit I have thought more about Leah’s words than any sermon on this matter. Leah is right; I am way too old and too big for diapers. As I look back over the past few years, I see times when I have acted selfishly, immature, and just plan wrong.  My excuses are just like Leah’s, “but I am little.” I have more than my share of, “But I……” You complete the sentence. I have used about any excuse you can imagine.

The problem with me has been my lack of spiritually maturity. Peter said, “As newborn babies desire the sincere milk of the word that you may grow by it.” (I Peter 2:2). In another place Paul said, “strong meat (chewable food that needs to be digested) is for men of full age.” (Hebrews 5:14). Peter said,  “Grow in the grace and in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.” (II Peter 3:18)

How do I stop wearing spiritual diapers? Admitting the need to grow is the first step for a RDW (recovering diaper wearer). The second thing is to study the Bible and keep attending church. We must be patient. “To become perfect and mature, lacking nothing, we must have patience.” (James 1:4). In the words of Jim Valvano, “Don't Give Up . . . Don't Ever Give Up.” Then live every day as a servant of Christ should live.

P.S. - Update on Leah's instructions: I received a voice mail from her the other day. Instead of singing deep and wide she was singing deep and Papaw. Enough already! I will go on a diet. Who taught this child to sing anyway? It must have been her Uncle Bradley.

The Dastardly Duo Plotting! 

Stay tuned for the next Leah episode, same Leah time, 
same Leah channel.