"Grandpa"

Well, what became of Grandpa,

Some think he’s lost his mind,

They say ran off to Texas,

But can’t be hard to find.

It’s just that he’s a cowboy,

And you know how they are,

To some they seem plumb crazy,

And don’t miss it very far.

And, yes, he loves the horses,

And, yes, he loves the land,

They say he’s living close to both,

And there make his last stand.

They say he’s got a woman,

A fancy Texas queen,

Some say she’s a beauty,

The best there’s ever been.

I guess last time we saw him,

There’s a twinkle in his eye,

And though he’s gettin’ older,

He was movin’ pretty spry.

And remember this about him,

Old Grandpa got real sad,

When some things got away from him,

That he maybe never had.

But better to remember,

That he loves Jesus, too,

And one thing’s a certainty,

With what he chose to do,

He taught we should surrender,

To the will of God above,

Be filled with the Spirit,

And be filled with God’s love.

So don’t worry much ‘bout Grandpa,

Bet he will be all right,

Living out his cowboy dream,

And walking in God’s light.

And please try not to judge him,

Just try to understand,

That every single one of us,

Each woman, child and man,

We make our human choices,

And do the best we can,

Above all seek the Kingdom,

And find our fire to fan.

And if you get to Texas,

Please just drop on by,

He’ll sure be glad to see you,

And love it if you try.

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else…” (Mt. 6:33, NLT)

How do we know why people do what they do? Oftentimes we really can’t. We are quick to pass judgment on them, and act as if we know what’s going on in their hearts. But do we? We know in part and we prophesy in part, Paul said. That means we don’t see all, only part. And if all we can see is part of it, how can we judge all of it? It’s possible the very thing you disapprove is someone’s effort to seek first the Kingdom of God, just like Jesus said. Yes, I know, some things are obviously immoral, unbiblical and wrong. I know…But not everything is painted in black and white. Sometimes life resembles a kaleidoscope of different colors and shades, and one’s perspective is skewed by their own experiences, good or bad. Seeking God’s Kingdom looks differentl with different people. Let’s give folks grace to do it the way they feel led.

Lord, help us seek Your Kingdom above all else, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Shawn Cameron, shawncameron.com. Used by permission. Thanks, Shawn, and God bless you.