“The Perfect Spot”

I recently celebrated a milestone birthday.  It was great to have my wife, two daughters and son-in-law celebrate with me; and to receive various presents and cards.  Who doesn’t enjoy getting gifts?  I enjoyed all of the special ways that they helped me celebrate, but, for some reason, my mind continually reflects on a card that my daughter gave to me. 

white swan swimming in a lake with ducks swimming around the swan in the same direction

In this card, she took the time to type out “50 Memories of my Dad”.  Have you figured out how old I am now? I keep being reminded of one particular memory she listed:  “You would take us down to the pond to feed the ducks, and you always found the perfect spot!”  The perfect spot?!  I am pretty sure that we always went to the same spot every time, but in my daughter’s mind, it was perfect!

As we embrace these challenging days with COVID-19, I have been reflecting on “the perfect spot.”  What is that perfect spot?  Our pastor has recently been preaching through the Gospel of Mark.  Mark 1:35 says:

“Jesus rose early in the morning, while it was still dark.  He departed and went out to a desolate place and there he prayed.” 

Mark 1:35

Four verbs are clear in this verse: rose, departed, went and prayed.  I realize that during these days of social distancing, we are instructed to stay home and not depart or go.  But I have come to realize that the perfect spot is to follow the example of Jesus and to be in communion with His Father.  

mike carl in the gym with several elementary children running around the gym
Coach Mike Carl

God has allowed me to coach and teach in a Christian school for almost 30 years.  Each year has certainly been different, some more challenging than others.  However, as I reflect on God’s faithfulness, I am humbled that He has blessed me to teach, coach and influence so many young people.  Colossians 3:2 reminds us to “set our minds on things that are above, not on things that are on the earth.”  And in verse 16, Paul instructs us to:

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” 

Colossians 3:16

Not only am I thankful for the “perfect spot” where I can dwell in Christ, I am also thankful for the Christian education my two daughters (Amanda, Class of 2012, and Emily, Class of 2014) received at LCS.  Be encouraged that only Christ can provide that “perfect spot”, and that God is always faithful, even in these extremely challenging times.  He desires that we focus our thoughts on Him, praise Him, pray for one another and be encouraged in His Word.  God will always provide that “perfect spot” for His children.

a lake with the sun shinning on it and a duck spreading it's wings to take off  from the surface of the water