Pastor’s Pen # 3

Turn to Malachi 1:6-14
Have you ever had one of those awkward moments where you are in relationship to someone you truly love, but you forgot a special occasion in their life? As a young teenager I went to Boy Scout camp one summer and the time happened to overlap Father’s day. Upon returning home it hit me like a ton of bricks that I had been so wrapped up in my time of fun camping that this “hallmark” Holiday had totally slipped my mind. While unpacking my gear an idea came to me that would not only absolve me of my guilt for forgetting but would also make me “look” good in the eyes of my dad too. You see, I loved to pass my time at camp by carving on wood pieces. At this particular camp I bought a knife specifically made for carving out those masterful creations only a teen with very little imagination could make. The brilliant idea of re-gifting was born in me at the moment of unpacking! I quickly took the well used knife along with a variety of blades and clumsily wrapped it without a box. With this treasure in hand, I ran into the room where my dad was and shouted a bright, cheerful, “Happy Father’s Day!” Boy was he surprised! My mom smiled, my dad smiled, it was such a wonderful moment. But then his smile turned to weird kind of sullen look as he un-wrapped the gift. He looked at me and said, “son, you didn’t really buy this for me did you?” As a Father I understand that it really would have been much better for everyone if I hadn’t tried so hard to cover up the reality of my forgetfulness. After all, my dad gave me the money to go to camp and spend it in any way I wanted to. He didn’t have the expectation of my returning with any gift for him. Probably all he would have wanted from me was the best I had to offer at the moment; just to love him, spend time with him and maybe a big hug. But instead I gave him something he had no use for. Our scripture in Malachi chapter 1, gives me the same picture of my heavenly Father. If we are going to give Him something it shouldn’t be our leftovers, hand-me downs, worn out, sick, sad stuff! It should be our very very best of everything. After all, HE provides it all to us in the first place! To give Him less than our best is to diminish our gratitude and appreciation. To give Him less that excellence is to diminish the image of His holiness to a watching world.
All my love Pastor Dwayne