A TUBA THIS BIG

Last week we took our grandsons swimming at the Holiday Inn. My wife and I also took our granddaughter swimming, too, but since she's nearly 11, she had gone to change early. My wife took our older grandson and left me with the little guy, age 5.

Nathan knows only one speed--fast. He took off running in the hotel hall with me trailing. I could see it all play out but couldn't stop it.

"Nathan, Nathan, Nathan," I yelled, but too late. He ran full speed into a window that he thought was an opening next to a door. Fortunately, he wasn't hurt, the window didn't shatter, Nathan didn't cry. In fact he popped up, even thought it knocked him on his backside.

It's the first time I've ever thought I was like the Holy Spirit. I could see the danger ahead, I could warn, but it was up to him to listen. How many times has the Holy Spirit seen me making wrong decisions, not being aware of my surroundings, going recklessly full speed ahead, and yelling at me, "Ted Ted, Ted: watch out! slow down! don't, please don't go there"?

And how many times like Nathan have I not paid attention, have thought I knew better, not recognized the danger even when I though none there?

Maybe the tuba in the picture would help. But somehow I can't picture me or the Holy Spirit with one of those.