Grand Sweep Daily
Psalm 103:17-18 (NIV)
17 But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear Him, and His righteousness with their children’s children; 18 with those who keep His covenant and remember to obey His precepts.
Deuteronomy 6:5-9 (NIV)
5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates.
Good morning!
“Princess, your chariot awaits!” I announced as I arrived yesterday afternoon for a play date with my granddaughter. Three-year-old Emily looked like a little porcelain doll, ready to experience a magical moment. Mommy had dressed Emily up in the yellow Easter dress she wore this spring, adorned with satin ribbons and bows. She wore her gold princess crown. It kept her long, curly locks of hair from falling in her sweet face. Big brother Joshua was snapping photographs of Emily with Mom. She looked at me through those great big blue saucer eyes, and while batting her eyelashes, said, “Nanny, you are taking me to the Box.” “The Fox, Emily,” I said, giggling under my breath. “We are going to the Fox Theatre to see The Lion King!” Emily jumped up and down with excitement! It was time.
We walked hand-in-hand along the sidewalk of
I had never seen the Broadway version of The Lion King, and was looking forward to experiencing the “circle of life” as a play. I found myself drawn to watching the look on young Emily’s face as she experienced her Broadway moment for the very first time. The music was loud, and some of it was rather scary. She sat still for the first half of the program. After intermission, Emily got real fidgety, but we were able to hang on to the very last curtain call. The costuming, set changes, lighting, and music were absolutely phenomenal. The actors were awesome. Emily took a shine to young Simba, a little lion cub with a great big voice and a personality to match. She was too young to understand the theme of the play; yet, I would imagine Emily will never forget those magical moments, sitting on grandmother’s lap, while taking in all the sights and sounds of the production. Besides the elephants and giraffes, we especially liked the dancers who flew around the stage in mid-air during the love songs.
The Lion King story reminds me of our rich inheritance as precious children of the King of Kings. We are all born into this world with a greater plan and purpose to fulfill. We learn how to live out our days through the examples set by our family and friends. As we grow and mature, we experience fear, death, pain, and confusion. Sometimes it is easier to run away than face the truth. Like young Simba, he thought his life had ended the day his father died. As he grew into adulthood, Simba learned from adversity that he was called to be a leader. By overcoming fear with faith, a little lion cub became the Lion King.
We live in a circle of life and love; a precious gift designed by the hand of the Master Architect. Do not be afraid to share your faith with the wee ones in your life. They will learn about the Lord through your stories and life example. We can emulate God’s love by the love we share with others. Simba went home to protect his kingdom and lead by love. Are you ready to return to the Lord, pick up your mantle and run? It is time.
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
Pray for: courage to live out God’s plan for your life. He is counting on you to share your faith in Christ with the ones who have lost their way. Do not be afraid to turn around, especially if you have been running away! It is not too late to climb the mountain of faith. Simba would tell you that the view from the top is worth the effort.
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© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
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