Reading: Genesis 1:26-27
One of my favorite parts of every day here at the church is when the preschoolers arrive for school. They come bouncing in the front door with oversized backpacks and big smiles as they head downstairs with parents in tow to begin another day of learning and fun. They're usually arriving about the time I'm fixing my first cup of morning coffee in the Narthex, so I get the chance to greet them which always makes me smile. No matter how pressing the issues of the day may be weighing on me, their enthusiastic "Hi, Pastor Bob!" never fails to make my day.
I had just put the finishing touches on my morning joe in my new Steelers mug (courtesy of preschooler Carson Pointer, whose family was just in the 'Burgh for a visit) and was back in the office banging away at emails when one of the moms poked her head in the office and said, "You're not going to believe this…"
After I had said hello to her son this morning, she said that as they were going downstairs the little guy said, "You know who that is, don't you mom?" Of course, Mom replied, that's Pastor Bob. "Nope," said the preschooler, "that's God. I know he's not Jesus, but that's God for sure."
Mom thought it was very cute and had to share it. I told her to make sure the little guy got corrected in a hurry!
Thinking about it, though, I came to the awesome realization that, indeed, when it comes to knowing God often the most tangible way our little ones experience the divine is through the witness of parents and pastors. I remember being that age and thinking that Pastor Stuart Perrin was God, or at least a pretty close friend of his.
Genesis tells us that we were created in the image of God, so it shouldn't surprise us, really, if we're seen as being related, especially when we think, act, do, and reflect the things that God is and does. Jesus was the incarnation of God and called his disciples to follow him in that example. We're not God, that's for sure, but our call is to reflect the presence of God in our lives. The only way that some people will ever know God or the person of Christ is by seeing his reflection in us.
How would your life change if you thought of yourself and others as reflecting the image of God? I challenge you today to think about how your words and actions might be reminders of God to those around you.
PRAYER: Lord God, let be mindful today that I am created in your image. May I reflect your word and character with all I meet today. Amen.
