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She gave me this strange look as I passed her at Natomas Park Elementary School. You know the one: raised eyebrows with one higher than the other; that half-smirk, half smile that says "Am I supposed to know you?" Her curly-puffy hair was pulled back in pig-tails, and she had on a pink t-shirt with little blue flowers.

I've known her mother Sharon several years. She's a children's pastor at another church in town. We've had a few pre-dawn workouts together at the gym. That'll bond anybody. We've also been in a family bible study together--the good kind where you eat dinner.

The first time our family went, I couldn't believe my eyes.
Cornbread? No way. And were these iron skillets? Two of them? Who in the world (in California) owned two irons skillets and knew how to make cornbread in them? Who had done this southern thing?

It was Sharon. Now we were bonded for life-- sisters in Christ and comfort food.

Her daughter didn't know me. But I knew who her mother was, and would treat her accordingly.

"How are you today, cutie?" I smiled, hoping it might jog her memory.

Of course, I couldn't remember her name- but I did know her mother, and her father.

Oohh, a pang shot through my heart. There were so many times that I treated people like I didn't know their father.

There was this kid I saw at the Downtown Plaza in Sacramento. He wore a white tank top and pants belted well below his waist—well below his rear-end, for that matter. It's just wrong to see that much underwear!

"How do you even walk like that?" I wanted to say, but I only snarled instead.

I had forgotten who his Father was.

Or those kids at the pool last week blaring their ghetto music.

"If you are going to play that, could you please go to the adult spa! This is the family spa, and that music is not appropriate for families!"

It wasn't the words that I said, but the way I said them.

I had forgotten their Father.

James 3:9 says "With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be."

That's why I had that pit in my stomach-for the times I praised, and then cursed. Forgetting who I was talking to, or about.

Next time I'll remember- whether I can call them by name or not- I'll remember I know their Father.

****************
To my Dad, Max Goins-

You're the greatest.

Melissa

"Bible verse and quote" from Jan Couns

Bible and Quote - February 25 - March 1