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Who Says?






Simon says “wiggle your toes!”  Simon says “raise your left hand!”  Put your hands on your head!  A-ha!  Simon didn’t say to put your hands on your head.  You lose.

We played Simon Says with the little ones on our weekend family reunion at the Hampton.  It cracked me up to watch little two-year old Amy follow every command whether Simon said it or not.  Her big sister would point and yell Amy, don’t do it unless Simon says!  And lil Amy would clap her hands and giggle in glee showing us all her teeth.  You know why?  Amy didn’t realize she was the loser in the game; she saw herself as the winner.

A devotional arrived in my email today.  “Look around you and you will learn an important life lesson from a child,” the writer declared.

This doesn’t pertain to me since I’m not in the company of little kids, I thought.  But the Holy Spirit reminded me about playing with Amy and observing a winner reaction to a loser label someone puts on you.

I can react like a winner when my back-seat driving husband criticizes my lack of talent when I park in tight spaces.  I smile and say, I’m going to back out and do it again knowing I’m a better driver than him any day even if it does take me a few tries!  No argument follows.


I can react like a winner at the Rec Center when the woman exercising next to me shouts me down for cleaning the equipment before (as well as after) I use it.  I never know if some big sweaty guy just ran off.   I see it all the time, I say with a big smile before I step on the treadmill!  No argument follows.

I don’t have to berate myself when scrutinized by anyone because, like Amy, I know I’m a winner even if I did it wrong in their eyes.  I belong to Jesus, the God of second, third and many more chances in order to get it right.


That’s the lesson I learned from a child today.  The enemy would love to take us down in the small things as well as the big.  Don’t let him.  Remember who created you.  Just smile and keep looking cute, okay?  Simon Says! 
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Comments

  1. UnknownAugust 14, 2016 at 8:15 PM

    Lord, may the children teach me. Lord, give me the simple faith of a child. Thank you for the reminder.

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  2. MelanieAugust 15, 2016 at 5:33 AM

    It is humbling what we can learn from a child. To have that kind of faith is awesome. Have a great week.

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  3. bettyAugust 15, 2016 at 6:42 AM

    It is so true we don't have to scrutinize ourselves; we have a firm identity in who we are as a child of God and a sister(or brother) to the King of Kings :)

    betty

    ReplyDelete
  4. GayleAugust 15, 2016 at 6:43 AM

    Oh, my goodness. That pic of Amy just made my whole week. So adorable! And this post just made my whole week, too. Great life lessons, great humor and great writing...as usual!

    ReplyDelete
  5. LindaAugust 15, 2016 at 8:42 AM

    Such a lovely post! I think children and animals can teach us so much! Your header is absolutely stunning!

    ReplyDelete
  6. CherylAugust 15, 2016 at 8:48 AM

    Oh, that smile! She is SO cute!! What a great lesson to learn...children are the absolute best teachers. Love and appreciate you, sweet friend. :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Mevely317August 15, 2016 at 3:19 PM

    Would you believe, the Night Auditor and I were talking about Simon Says just this morning?!

    As someone who tends to believe every negative thing anyone says to me (real or perceived), I love this -- particularly your last lines.
    (... Tho' I doubt anyone could look cuter than the expression on Miss Amy's face!)

    ReplyDelete
  8. SharonAugust 15, 2016 at 4:34 PM

    OK, Simon, I'll do what you say. It's way much better than playing the "Satan Says" game. He has a way of making us say some really negative things, and I am way too eager to copy him.

    Lesson learned. Smile intact. Looking cute.

    GOD BLESS!

    (Amy, you are precious!!)

    ReplyDelete
  9. LisaAugust 15, 2016 at 5:06 PM

    The enemy often gives us the opportunity to indulge in less that godly behavior and we have every opportunity to refuse! Great post!!!

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  10. a joyful noiseAugust 16, 2016 at 12:35 AM

    I love you lesson learned to realize we are a winner even if someone else doesn't think so. Little Amy knew she was following instructions and I applaud loudly for her. So what if Simon didn't say! Your comment about back seat driving made me smile. My husband still directs me when I drive and I smile and drive. Thank you for your lovely post shared with us here at Tell me a Story.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Nancy ChanAugust 16, 2016 at 4:07 AM

    Great reminder to learn from a child where there is no pretense, just simple faith and trust. Sometimes, even our love ones can put us down, it is our choice not to be put down. Have a great day!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Lux G.August 17, 2016 at 5:35 AM

    An amazing lesson to learn. I love how we can see life lessons in the every day.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Creations By CindyAugust 17, 2016 at 6:10 AM

    Oh my! I too have learned so much from my grandchildren Mary. Here lately it seems to be about TRUST! Out of the mouth of babes.....Enjoyed this this morning. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  14. caryjoAugust 17, 2016 at 10:03 AM

    As usual, you did wonderfully and grabbed a lot of attention. I sure loved the photos. Made me smile!! Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  15. AnonymousAugust 17, 2016 at 5:08 PM

    What a great reminder and perspective to have in life! With so many so serious, I think it's great to look through this life's lenses with that spirit of enjoyment. That's the way to play life… and honor our Maker.

    ReplyDelete
  16. RCUBEsAugust 17, 2016 at 7:24 PM

    Smiles...That's what you're known for...And now got passed on to beautiful little Amy! How easy it is sometimes to not notice what the Spirit is telling us...even through the simple contagious smiles of a little child...but what great lesson! Thank you Amy! I love your header photo too sister! Now, can't help it...I'm leaving with a big smile on my face ;)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Optimistic ExistentialistAugust 19, 2016 at 1:12 AM

    It is amazing how we can learn lessons from children, isn't it? :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. Crown of BeautyAugust 20, 2016 at 3:16 AM

    Your little granddaughter is so cute... I think she looks a lot like you! And yes, she thinks she's a winner... and you know what, she is! I love this post. I haven't been around blog world much, posting only once or twice a month now, and not really able to regularly visit my friends' blogs. But this evening I am glad I was able to stop by yours. I really do appreciate my blog friends. Praying that your heart is filled with the assurance and affirmation that ABba Father is for you... all the way! Much love, Lidia

    ReplyDelete

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