Those who are kind reward themselves,
but the cruel do themselves harm. (Proverbs 11:17 (NRSVUE)
“An unforgiving heart is an unforgiven heart, and if you can’t forgive, you haven’t sensed His forgiveness.” Timothy Keller
Ephesians 4:32: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you”.
Reward or Nightmare?
This “thing will give me nightmares” says the child!
I was gardening with my granddaughter and the help from a friend when I heard her little voice that had minutes before been shrilling with delight quietly say, “this thing will give me nightmares!” I quickly asked, what will give you nightmares when I saw a blob of dirt with what looked like to me ‘forever roots’ that was falling on her well manicured garden spot!
Does anything give you nightmares?
As I continued to hear the child wonder why do we need this ‘monster with too many legs’ in our garden? I thought of the words I have often cherished and quoted, “And, a little child shall lead them.” (Isaiah 11.6)
I googled the Bible verse and AI responded with an overview:
“And a little child shall lead them” is a famous phrase from Isaiah 11:6 in the Bible, depicting a future peaceful kingdom where predators and prey live in harmony, and even a child can lead animals like wolves and lions safely. It symbolizes a, perfect peace and restoration where innocent trust overcomes fear.
Key Themes and Interpretations
- Prophecy of Peace: The passage Isaiah 11:6-9 describes the “Peaceable Kingdom,” where the, knowledge of the Lord covers the earth, resulting in total safety.
- Vulnerability over Power: It highlights that God’s kingdom is characterized by the innocence and vulnerability of children rather than, worldly power.
- The Context: The verse describes a toddler leading a group of animals—such as a wolf with a lamb, and a leopard with a goat—rather than children leading adults.
- Common Usage: The phrase is often used to suggest that children can teach adults about, simplicity, trust, and love. “
My late brother, Chet of Nags Head, NC, a good gardener, taught me when a tree or plant is root bound in a pot and I wanted to ground plant be sure to cut and break up the roots.
At times I find my thinking is root bound to old ways of thinking about many things but most often faith. Maybe I have been blinded by my sins. Taught by a flawed teacher? Parent? Friend? How to cut the ‘root bound mind roots’ that seem to give us nightmares as the child just taught me! Is it a reward or nightmare?
“Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
*Romans 12:2 (NRSVUE)
*Recommended Reading; Proverbs 12 and if your time permits flip back and Read Proverbs 11! Reward yourself!🙏💛
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