Noah
was really pumped (excited) on Thursday, as he walked up to Sam
Tiffin's front door. There was no doubt this
partnership-in-the-making, was absolutely the best of any so-called
'win-win' situations. Though Sam was a new Christian, he desperately
needed an older buddy as something of a 'grandpa' to share his
teenage feelings and be introduced to some of the potential that God
puts in all of us. On the other hand, Noah Pierson needed to be
needed, every day, in fact. His precious Nenee had been called home
to Glory two years ago and left the house and Noah's daytime hours
mighty empty. Silver-haired Noah was already seeing little happenings
that told him that God was definitely up to something. That something
was starting to show itself as a partnership between Noah, God, and
the teenager – Sam Tiffin.
Sam
escorted Noah (who preferred to be called 'Gramps') in to the kitchen
and were seated at the table. As Gramps voiced the closing 'amen' to
his prayer for them, Sam's mom, Bonnie, set two frosty glasses of
Sun-iced-tea in front of the pair. She looked toward Gramps and said,
“Thanks for coming over, Gramps. We both like it when you visit.
I'll leave both you men to talk over business, while I give some
buttons their proper home on a blouse. If you need anything, just
holler.” She headed for her sewing basket softly humming a happy
tune, like she also thought God was up to something wonderful.
Gramps
was ready to start the next phase of his 'leading-from-behind'
process. “Sam, the last time we talked, we decided it'd be fun to
create an imaginary business. You remember?” The enthusiastic reply
was, “You gotta be kidding! My mind has been going a mile a minute!
I've been getting so many ideas, I had to start making notes.” Noah
noticed the scarred scalded face now lit up like a rocket about to
jump into orbit - blazing a path to exciting discoveries for this
teen and his precious silver-haired friend.
“As
we start putting together our imaginary business, you and I both know
Satan is going to throw a monkey-wrench into our plans one way way or
another. I figured we should start right out using Poster Power.”
The teen scratched his head and thought, “Oh no. He's started one
of those senile moments that all old folks like Gramps are supposed
to get.” The confused look on Sam's face easily told Noah what was
going on, in Sam's mind.
“Sam.
Try to think of a poster as your own private grandpa. The poster
hanging on your bedroom wall is a constant reminder of important
things - that Satan does NOT want you to remember. Maybe think of a
poster as an important note that shouts.” Noah paused a moment, as
he laid a shopping bag on the table in front of them. He began
emptying its contents as he spoke, “Before you think I've flipped
out, let me do the poster this week and you can do the one for next
week.”
The
teen almost heard the launch count down in his heart as Gramps
continued his explanation in a happy expectant tone. Gramps
positioned a poster panel on the table and withdrew a green marker to
begin the poster. Sam watched every move, like he might have to do
the same thing in front of one of his few friends.
What
first appeared on the poster was a large tower with many of those
criss-cross beams that gives strength in stormy times. It's not hard
to think that each of us need our own supply of criss-cross beams in
our own hearts for each stormy moment that Satan sends. After the
simple tower was finished, Noah (I mean Gramps) spoke. “Now my
poster today is about a fella that wanted to build a tower. This
fella was given a rule to go by, that included a warning. Now, Sam.
The rule and warning this fella got, was important to him and it's
super important to us, as we build our imaginary business. Ya with
me?” If Sam was any more interested, he'd forget to breathe. “Yeah,
Gramps. Don't stop. What was the rule and warning, that was
important?”
“Actually,
God had Mr. Luke write it down so we could easily learn and share it.
Sam, open your Bible there, to Luke chapter 14, starting at verse
28.” After reading the verse and the next one, the silver-topped
mentor went on to explain that counting the cost was a crucial step
in PREPARATION to building a tower (or even a business). The rule
here was to make sure you had everything needed to start the project,
which might be boards, nails, or attitudes and rules.
Now,
the warning was that if good preparation was neglected, the project
probably wouldn't be finished. If the project wasn't finished, all
those watching would be ashamed of the fella. Gramps used a different
color marker and wrote next to the tower, “PREPARATION is crucial”.
Just below that, was the simple words, “PEOPLE ARE WATCHING.”
Whether we want to, or not – each of us are teachers in everything
we do. And we'll never know all those who are watching us. We need to
always be doing our best – as unto the Lord. Another helpful verse
is “Let all things be done decently and in order.” 1Corinthians
14:40.
The
two at the table continued talking about other preparation steps that
should be remembered. Sam said a warm thankful closing prayer to God,
and to Gramps, before the 'business' meeting came to a close.
Do
you suppose that Jesus 'counted the cost' as plans were put in place
for Him to shed His innocent blood on the Cross, for the sin of man?
