Roger lives in our little town. He was born and raised here. Having recently had a birthday, I know he is seventy-something. I think almost everyone in our little town knows and appreciates Roger. He rides his bike around town in nice weather and stays home more often when it’s cold, unless someone can give him a ride. At times, we have been blessed to be able to do so. Not only is he considered the high school athletics programs’ biggest fan, but they named the annual baseball tournament after him.
According to the world, Roger hasn’t had lots of accomplishments. He has developmental delays so he has the personality and intellect of someone six or more decades younger than his chronological age. He did not graduate from high school nor go to college. I don’t know his employment when he was younger, but now he does rake peoples yards and previously sold worms for bait. (That is how our family first met Roger-buying worms.) He has never married nor had children. He doesn’t own property.
However, Roger has something of great value. Roger has childlike faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He attends several worship services weekly and is an active participant. With his limited reading abilities, he still reads Scripture and worshipful poetry for those in attendance. He has a heart after God and lives out his faith for all to see and be influenced by.
I have a child who may grow up to be much like Roger. Although my husband and I are still struggling to understand and accept realistic expectations for this precious child, we will be greatly blessed as parents for her to accept Christ with a childlike faith. If she will love Him with her whole heart, soul, mind and strength; and love others as herself so glorifying God, we will be blessed and grateful.
Heavenly Father, thank you for the children you have given us to parent. Let us trust you with their lives and their futures. Help us to desire most for them a glorifying, worshipful relationship with you. We ask this in the precious name of your beloved Son, Jesus.
