Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And put a new and right spirit within me —Psalm 51:10
And put a new and right spirit within me —Psalm 51:10
It really is all about having the right spirit to determine how we view the world; and we never know the time, place, or person that God will choose to help infuse that spirit in us. Today, for me, it was six-year old Jacob who changed my heart. All day I felt lethargic and melancholy. Finally, I took a good book and a cup of coffee and drove to one of my favorite places. I needed time to think and change my attitude.
Within minutes, an adorable boy came sauntering over and asked me what I was reading. After conversing a few minutes, his mom came to retrieve him, embarrassed that he was interrupting me. That didn’t stop Jacob, though—he kept on coming.
At one point he told me he had a big secret to tell.
He was in love with a girl in his class, but he couldn’t tell her. His friend Tony also had a big secret. Jacob was forbidden to tell his teachers or kids in his school, but he felt he could tell me. Tony was in love too.
He was in love with a girl in his class, but he couldn’t tell her. His friend Tony also had a big secret. Jacob was forbidden to tell his teachers or kids in his school, but he felt he could tell me. Tony was in love too.
The next time Jacob waltzed over he bellowed, “Isn’t the water beautiful?” I ignored him, but he kept after me. “The water is beautiful. Don’t you think?” I stopped to look at the water and, sure enough, Jacob was right. The water was beautiful—though I hadn’t even noticed.
Another time Jacob visited he wanted to know whether the flowers on the nearby table were wild. He knew bees loved wild flowers because they loved the “possums.” Puzzled, I asked what he meant. Finally, I figured out what Tony was saying—that the bees love pollen – not possums!
Another time Jacob visited he wanted to know whether the flowers on the nearby table were wild. He knew bees loved wild flowers because they loved the “possums.” Puzzled, I asked what he meant. Finally, I figured out what Tony was saying—that the bees love pollen – not possums!
At last, Jacob’s mom came to retrieve him for good. I told her that Jacob was amazing. He truly inspired me. She smiled and said, “He is so filled with life and with love, and to think that he has a terminal illness. God has performed another miracle.”
My heart opened, a new spirit came shining in—the spirit of Jacob, the spirit of life and love. That spirit is contagious. I caught it from Jacob and I felt uplifted.
Catch it and spread it around.
