Alva Review-Courier -

This morning in class, I was talking about myself again. Today’s story centered around the idea of the “weak will.” Most of us have found ourselves in a situation (or two) when we knew the right thing to do but just couldn’t come up with the will-power to do it. And so it was in eighth grade that I found myself in the principal’s office being reminded, via the seat of my pants, that I should stop making excuses and turn in my homework.

I recounted the conversation between Coach Fortenberry and my mom that took place immediately after he finished administering the above-mentioned reminder. Mother, in her prime, had the timing of a Tom Brady pass and just happened to walk into the building as I was wiping my eyes and heading back to class. Speaking to my mom, Coach said, “Now Mrs. Tyree, Jay is a good boy and we’re still friends, but Jay needs to remember to get his work in on time.” To which my sweet mother replied, “Jay and I will discuss this matter further, when he gets home. I was just dropping off his lunch. He left it at home.”

That’s when it hit me. There was a time in my life when I was just Jay. Well, maybe Jay-bug or one of the other names my daddy called me, but no honorary titles or special initials; just Jay. I asked the students if they would enjoy spending one day back in second grade. We could write our spelling words five times each and spend some time on the playground before returning to the adult-sized world. Most said they would.

I wonder if we can’t embrace what Peter had to say in Acts 10:34-35: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.”

Jobs change, titles change, relationships change, but the eternal spirit, given by the eternal Father, remains the same. To Him, we are always His little children.

See you Sunday.